First I came to see the doctor, told him I was unemployed Asked me what I did for money, told him I was overjoyed To reach into the basket, and take a bunch of dimes Drop them for the paper riddled with my rhymes Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work Then I came to see the priest, said I knew God was alive He looked at me quite solemn, said ?Son don't give me that jive? I reached into my pocket, pulled out .45 Said ?Priest I got your number, and this here ain't no jive? Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work
Then I came to see the man at the center of the town Said "Hey there Mister Leader, you're looking at a clown I don't engage in nothing except hangin' around I'm living high, I'm living low, I'm just screaming the sounds" Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work Then I came to see myself, I got a nervous quirk Behind a gun I lurk, he looks to me berserk He pushes (?) at his time, he's running down a line Face all dripping down, carrying a sign Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work
And now you're independent, brush your teeth three times a day Remember how I told you, remember how I say That you've seen a hundred persons, and you've called me down today Just to hear how lovely it sounds to hear me say Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work