Verse:
D                                            C                                      Dm          D     C         D     riff x 1
When I was a young man as all good tales begin I was taught to hold out my hand
D                          C                                        Dm           D           C         D     riff x 1
And for my pay I worked an honest day and took what pittance I could win
                  RIFF                                RIFF                          RIFF
Now I’m a Working John and I’m a Working Joe and I’m doing what I know
A
For God and the economy have blessed me with equality
             RIFF                                                 RIFF
And the state protects and feeds me and my conscience never leaves me
               RIFF                            RIFF                               RIFF x 2
And I’m loyal to the union who protects me at all levels
 
Now, as I grew the winds of fortune blew and the bank smiled down upon me
And mortgaged to the hilt I threw the breeze of caution behind me
And I’m a Working John and I’m a Working Joe and I’m good at what I know
And God and the economy have blessed me with equality
And I’m equal to the best of you and better than the rest of you
Who would criticize my success in times of national unrest

Instru: riff x 2 – D  Em  C  Em

Verse #2
D        C          Em           D               D         C        Em D
Now, own my horseless carriage in central heated garage
D                C       Em       D     D      C           Em       D
I commute eighty miles a day up at seven to make it pay
  D       C                 Em   D               D           C                  Em  D
I direct ten limited companies with seeming consummate expertise
D                C       Em       D         D              C         Em       D
Two ulcers and a heart disease a trembling feeling in both knees
 
 

e
 

Transcribed by Jim McWeeney.  Suggestions welcome.