[Intro]
This one's for you Al Freed

[Verse 1]
Wherever you go, whatever you do
Because the things they're doing today will make a saint out of you
Payola blues
I've got the payola blues even though I already paid my dues

[Verse 2]
Listen to me Mr. DJ, hear what I've got to say
If a man is making music, they ought to let his record play
Payola blues
No matter where I go I never hear my record on the radio

[Verse 3]
"Well, here's three thousand, that ought to get it on"
"Well, thanks a lot man! I love your new song"
Payola blues
No matter where I go I never hear my record on the radio
It goes like this

[Harmonica Solo]

[Verse 4]
I got a brand new record company, new manager too
Got a great new record I can't get through to you
Payola blues
No matter where I go I never hear my record on the radio
[Verse 5]
How about this new Mercedes Benz? That ought to get it on
Well, thanks a lot man! I'll play it all day long
Payola blues
No matter where I go I never hear my record on the radio

[Harmonica Solo]

[Outro]
I've got the payola blues, payola blues
I'm paying those payola blues
No matter where I go
I never hear my record on the radio