Authority Song
John Mellencamp Lyrics

They like to get you in a compromising position
They enjoy putting you in a tough spot

They like to get you there and smile in your face
They pretend to be friendly while putting you in a tough spot

They think, they're so cute when they got you in that condition
They believe they are clever when they put you in such a situation

Well I think it's a total disgrace, and I say
I believe their behavior is completely unacceptable and express my disapproval

I fight authority, authority always wins
I resist those who have power over me, but they always come out on top in the end

Well, I been doing it, since I was a young kid
I have been resisting authority since I was a child

I've come out grinnin'
I've managed to maintain my resolve with a smile on my face

I call up my preacher
I seek guidance from my religious leader

I say, "Gimme strength for Round 5"
I ask for strength to keep fighting

He said "You don't need no strength, you need to grow up, son"
He tells me that I need to mature and accept authority

I said "Growing up leads to growing old and then to dying
I argue that growing older and facing death is not appealing to me

And dying to me don't sound like all that much fun", and so I'll say
I don't find dying to be an enjoyable prospect and will continue to resist authority

I say, oh no, no no
I repeat the phrase "oh no" emphatically

I fight authority, authority always wins (kick it in)
I continue to resist authority, even though they always come out on top

Well, I fight authority, authority always wins
I persistently resist authority, even though they continue to be victorious

So I said
I emphasize my previous statement