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