First I came to see the doctor, told him I was unemployed

Asked me what I did for money, told him I was overjoyed 

To reach into the basket, take a bunch of dimes 

Drop them near the paper riddled with my rhymes 

Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work 

Then I came to the priest, said I knew God was alive 

He looked at me quite solemn, said “Son don't give me that jive” 

I reached into my pocket, pulled out a .45 

Said “Priest I got your number, and this here ain't no jive” 

Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work 

Then I came to see the man at the center of the town 

Said “Hey there Mister Leader, you're looking at a clown 

I don't engage in nothing except hangin' around 

I'm living high, I'm living low, I'm just screaming the sound” 

Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work 

Then I came to see myself, I got a nervous quirk 

Behind a gun I lurk, he looks to me berserk 

He pushes (?) at his time, he's running down a line 

Face all dripping down, carrying a sign 

Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work 

And now you're independent, brush your teeth three times a day 

Remember how I told you, remember how I say 

That you've seen a hundred persons, and you've called me down today 

Just to hear how lovely it sounds to hear me say 

Take a message to the clerk, tell him not to work