Not Me

Back when I was just a kid No matter what you did If you screwed up you stepped forward And you took the blame No matter where the chips would fall You'd stand up tall And bravely raise your hand and say your name Oh you took your lumps You weathered all the bumps And you paid whatever price there was to pay Were these lessons all for naught Because these days if you get caught Without a hint of shame here's what you say: Not me, Not me! It's somebody else's fault can't you see In the present atmosphere It's absolutely clear That the buck stops miles from here If you want to know the score Before you get into a war And we're asked to risk our money and our youth Before we mount that task It seems reasonable to ask If your info is conclusive Or at least the truth And when your reason's all go bust And you violate our trust We know we've all been down that road before No hint of shame upon your face Contrition not a trace No you'll never hear "I'm sorry" any more Not me, Not me! It's somebody else's fault can't you see In the present atmosphere It's absolutely clear That the buck stops miles from here If you lie or if you cheat Better not admit defeat Though you're caught with your fingers in the jar It will only show you're weak If you're penitent or meek And those virtues just won't get you very far 'Cause in this world today Atonement is passe and everything I've seen in life confers Cross your fingers turn your back Let some sucker take the flack 'Cause honesty is just a can of worms If you're poor and on the? Learn a little self-control And understand you are the reason for your fate Knuckle down, you lazy slob Quit complaining, get a job And girls get married, but only if you're straight But if you help to lead the nation Or your own corporation You are governed by a different set of rules Just deny and obfuscate Deflect and fabricate 'Cause responsibility is just for fools Not me, Not me! It's somebody else's fault can't you see In the present atmosphere It's absolutely clear That the buck stops miles from here Not me, Not me! It's somebody else's fault can't you see Stomp your foot and tear your hair Ask me if I care 'Cause the buck stops nowhere