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I Just Work Here

from Crying Child (2011) by Thomas Kivi

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lyrics

Wearing my chains back in '43

There's a sign on the wall--reads that this work will make you free.

This labor of ours has taken a toll

The bodies are counted as if they're still on roll.



Standin' in line as he checks the time

One man's duty is another man's crime.

Naked I stood as the guard I asked, just before we walked--just before the gas,

"Is it you that I come crying to when the water is cold and deathly clear?"

He said no, "you ain't got nothin' to fear.

And anyways: I just work here."



Between earth and sky just shy of AD

the king of Jews was writ for all to see.

This crown of mine's worth more than gold

But roseless thorns, you know--they can't be sold.



Said, "Give unto Caesar your nickels and dimes"

One man's duty is another man's crime.

Just then that line shown in my face--

Just as those nails were hammered in place,

"These poors souls--they know not what they do,"

As my words are now printed in a rosy hue,

And the soldier said as he raised the spear:

"Man, I just work here."



Now I'm bothered as hell and it's hard to say why

Won't you please sign and date so I know that you comply?

There's honor in the nine-to-five--

The family's alright, not sure my neighbor is even alive.



Giving more to Caesar than nickels and dimes

One man's duty is another man's crime.

For here I stand with my apron in hand--

Won't you try our meatloaf? The burgers are bland

I play at nights for meager crowds

But at least there--I can think outloud

Because come lunchtime I'm just a thoughtless gear,

Because man: I just work here.

Yeah, I just work here.

credits

from Crying Child (2011), released February 8, 2011

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Thomas Kivi Madison, Wisconsin

Singer-songwriter from the Upper Midwest whose reflective lyrics drift down a musical river of Americana--folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock'n'roll music.

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