Written by John Mellencamp



Country gentleman walked a crooked mile,

Got our money in his pocket.

Did it all with a very handsome smile.

Now, he's livin' it up in a great big office.

He ain't a-gonna help no poor man.

He ain't a-goona help no poor man.

He ain't a-gonna help no poor man.

He's just gonna help his rich friends.



He ain't a-gonna help no women.

He ain't a-gonna help no children.

He's just gonna help his rich friends.



Country gentleman, we see him on T.V.,

Glad handin' folks and chattin' to the nation.

We never knew what really to believe.

Just word upon slogan with emotional connection.



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He ain't a-gonna help no poor man.

He ain't a-gonna help no children.

He ain't a-gonna help no women.

He's just gonna help his rich friends.



And in the papers all we'd ever read is

So and so big-shot signed his resignation.

Now, country gentleman he wants us to believe

That he's kind and honest with the best intentions.



Chorus



Country gentleman, now there's a bird that flew

High above his nation, prayed on its weakness.

Picked our bones and threw it in his stew.

Thank God he went back to California.



Chorus