John McCutcheon Not Me Lyrics

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