Subterranean Homesick Blues

Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine
I'm on the pavement thinking about the government
A man in a trench coat, badge out, laid off
He says he's got a bad cough, wants to get it paid off

Look out kid, it's something you did
God knows when, but you're doing it again
You better duck down the alley way, looking for a new fool
Man in the coon-skin cap, in a big pen
Want 11 dollar bills, you only got ten

Maggie come fleet foot, face full of black soot
Talking that the heat put the plants in the bed, but
The phone's tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say
They must bust in early May, order's from the DA

Look out kid, it's something you did
Walk on your tiptoes, don't try No-Doz
Better stay away from those that carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose, watch the plain clothes
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows

Hey, get sick, get well, hang around a ink well
Ring bell, hard to tell if anything is gonna sell
Try hard, get barred, get back, write braille
Get jailed, jump bail, join the army, if you fail

Look out kid, you're gonna get hit
By losers, cheaters, six-time users
Hang around the theaters
The girl by the whirlpool are looking for a new fool
Don't follow leaders and watch the parking meters

Get a burn, keep warm, short pants, romance, learn to dance
Get dressed, get blessed, try to be a success
Please her, please him, buy gifts, don't steal, don't lift
20 years of schooling, and they put you on the day shift

Look out kid, they keep it all hid
Jump down a manhole, light yourself a candle
Don't wear sandals, try to avoid the scandals
Don't wanna be a bum, you better chew gum
The pump don't work, 'cause the vandals took the handles