[Intro]
The guard at the gate said, "Don't trust the government"
I woke up dirty, wondered where my money went
Who says you can't toss a fish at a president?
Say you're sorry and be on your way

[Chorus 1]
Well, we'll all rise up when the plant shuts down
Tighten up, girl, when your man leaves town
I'll kill the work song when you're makin' car bombs

[Verse 1]
Well now, Jackson from the union is a company man
He got a company song, sings in a company band
The company picnic at the forest preserve
He got what he had coming, got what he deserved
His tires were slashed, his wallet was gone
He was last seen kissin' on the owner's son
In the parking lot after the workers went home
He'll never stink of fish
And he'll always fish alone

[Chorus 2]
Well, we'll all rise up when the plant shuts down
Tighten up, girl, when your man leaves town
I'll kill the work song, go on, make your love now
[Verse 2]
Now the girls in the break room don't trust the union
'Cause Jackson's taking money from their checks for uniforms
Won't back 'em up on an overdue raise
Don't want 'em makin' it with the fish and then messin' up the workplace
Some, they wanna leave by the river or the rail
I'm in the slammer, couldn't make the bail
Someone from the fish plant snuck into the jail
It was Jackson with a threat and a pocket full of scales
Pictures of my daughter and one of my mistress
We're naked, making love and drinkin' vodka and the fishes
Jackson is a blind man, a company fool
His bride is my mistress
My kid is swimmin' in her womb
Yeah!

[Outro]
The guard at the gate said, "Don't trust the government"
Woke up dirty, wondered where my money went
Who says you can't take a shot at a president?
Say you're sorry and be on your way