I’ve got to know, yes I’ve got to know, friend
Hungry lips ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends all a-falling 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 from my skies?
Tell me, why do you burn my farm and my town down?
I’ve got to know, friend, I’ve got to know!

What makes your boats haul death to my people?
Nitro blockbusters, big cannons and guns?
Why doesn’t your ship bring food and some clothing?
I’ve sure got to know, folks I’ve sure 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 lawbook chase me off my good land?
I’d sure like to know, friend, I’ve just got to know

What good work did you do, I’d like to ask you
To give you my money right out of my hands?
I built your big house here to hide from my people
Why do you crave to hide so, I’d love to know!

You keep me in jail & you lock me in prison
Your hospital’s jammed & your crazyhouse full
What makes your cop kill my trade union worker?
You have to talk plain, ‘cause I sure have to know!

Why can’t I get work & cash a big pay-check?
Why can’t I buy things in your place & your store?
Why close my plant down and starve all my buddies?
I am asking you sir, ‘cause I’ve sure got to know!