I've Got to Know

I've Got to Know

by Woody Guthrie - 1953

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know, friend
Hungry lips ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends all fallin' around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know.

Why do your war boats ride on my waters?
Why do your death bombs fall down from my skies?
Tell me why do you burn my farms and my town down?
I've got to know, friend, I've got to know.

What makes your boat haul death to my people?
Nitro block busters, big cannons and guns.
Why doesn't your ship bring food and some clothing?
I've got to know, folks, I've got to know.

Why can't my two hands get a good pay job?
I can still plow and plant, I can still sow
Why did your law book chase me off my good land?
Sure like an old friend, I've just got to know.

What good work did you do? I'd like to ask you
Give you my money right out of my hands
I built your big house here to hide from my people
Why did you hide so? I'd just like to know.

You keep me in jail and you lock me in prison
Your hospitals jammed and your crazy house full
What made your cop kill my trade union worker?
You'll have to talk plan 'cause I've sure got to know.

Why can't I get work and cash a big paycheck
Why can't I buy things in your place in your store?
Why do you close my plant and my town down
I'm askin' you, man, 'cause I've sure got to know