I'm Going To Say It Now Lyrics - Live Again! - Phil Ochs

Oh, I am just a student, sir 

And only want to learn 

But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke 

From 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 

Oh, you've given me a number 

And you've taken off my name 

To get around this campus 

Why, you almost need a plane 

And you're supporting Chang Kai-Shek 

While I'm supporting Mao 

So when I've got something to say, sir 

I'm gonna say it now 

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 

Ooh, 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've left my parents 

I've forgotten how to bow 

So when I've got something to say, sir 

I'm gonna say it now 

And 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 

I've read of other countries 

Where the students take a stand 

Maybe even help to overthrow 

The leaders of the land 

Now I wouldn't go so far to say 

We're also learnin' how 

But when I've got something to say, sir 

I'm gonna say it now 

So keep right on a-talkin' 

And tell us what to do 

If nobody listens 

My apologies to you 

And I know that you were younger once 

'Cause you sure are older now 

And when I've got something to say, sir 

I'm gonna say it now 

So I am just a student sir 

And only want to learn 

But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke 

From 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