Cat and Mouse

Well I had an Uncle Charley, back in my hometown

Said, Don't take no mice to be your friend

'Cause they'll wait till you're asleep and steal your money and your food

And rat you out when the police come around

Later on I started travellin', seeing something of this world

And I learned to know a thing or two

Just because you've been told a story back in your hometown

Don't have to mean that story's always true

I remember it was winter and things were goin' bad

It rained and it snowed all day long

Nobody would feed me and I couldn't find no job

In a factory or workin' on a farm

I was laying in my suitcase and the snow was falling down

I didn't know what I was gonna do

When I heard a tiny voice out there in the dark

Saying, Brother, can I come in there with you?

Well right here in my bag I got some real good cheese

And a crust of bread or two

If you let me come in and get out of the snow

I'll share what I got with you

Don't take no mice to be your friend

Was the rule Uncle Charley always told

But the north wind kept howling and the snow kept blowin' down

And I couldn't leave him out there in the cold

Well he said his name was Lefty and he'd been traveling round

The secrets of this world to share with you

Mouse traps are set right-handed, get your cheese out from the left

We are many, Buddy, they are few

He said, They'll tell you lies to make you doubt your fellow man

Like cats and mice just can't get along

Well it suits the bosses, Buddy, and it serves them fine

'Cause it keeps us working folks from bein' strong

There's a better world a coming, Buddy

Which side are you on?

Don't let the big men take it, Buddy

Which side are you on?

It's your country, too, Buddy

Which side are you on?

It's time to take a stand, Buddy

Which side are you on?

Play!

Boy, it's a fact mice ain't no good --

Old Charley always said they'll treat you bad

But I'm here to tell you people, and I want it understood

Lefty is the truest friend I'd ever had