Lyrics John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

Down and Out in Paradise

Dear Mr. President

I live in the suburbs

It's a long way from Washington, D.C.

Had me a job

Working for wages

And they forgot about me

Can't draw unemployment

For some unknown reason

My kids are hungry

I've got four mouths to feed

I go out everyday lookin' for suitable

Employment

Do you think, there's something

You could do for me

'Cause I'm...

Down and out, here in paradise

Down and out, and I'm on my knees

I'm down and out, here in paradise

Looks like the milk and honey

Done run out on me

Dear Mr. President

I used to be a dancer

Got a little bit too old

So I became a secretary

Married as man

In Las Vegas, Nevada

And ten years later

He run out on the kids and me

Some said, I was pretty

But those days are over

Now, I've no place to live

And I'm out on the streets

Oh, Mr. President

Can I tell you a secret

I never ever thought, that this could

Happen to me

'Cause I'm...

Down and out, here in paradise,

Down and out, and I'm on my knees

I'm down and out, here in paradise

Looks like the milk and honey

Done run out on me

Dear Mr. President

I'm just a young kid

I'm in the fourth grade

At riley elementary

My Mom and Dad's been actin' funny

I'm not sure

If it ain't got something to do with me

My Daddy's always drunk

My Mom's a babysitter

And I don't like the Russians

.Cause I hear, they hate me

Dear Mr. President

Can I ask you one question?

When the bombs fall down

Will they hurt everyone in my family

Yeah, yeah

Down and out, here in paradise

Down and out, and I'm on my knees

I'm down and out, here in paradise

Looks like the milk and honey

Done run out on me