I’m Gonna Say It Now Phil Ochs

[Verse 1]
Oh, I am just a student, sir, and I only want to learn
But it's hard to read through the rising smoke
Of the books that you like to burn
So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 2]
There's a time you got to study and a time you got to fight
And a time to go to college and learn about your rights
And you can learn it fast or slow, but learn it anyhow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 3]
Oh, you'd like to be my father, you'd like to be my dad
And give me kisses when I'm good and spank me when I'm bad
But since I left my parents I've forgotten how to bow
So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 4]
I wish that you'd make up your mind, I wish that you'd decide
That I should live as freely as those who live outside
'Cause we also are entitled to the rights to be endowed
And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 5]
Oh, things they might be different if I was here alone
But I've got a friend or two who no longer live at home
And we'll respect our elders just as long as they allow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now