Not Me

Back when I was just a kid
 No matter what you did
 If you screwed up you stepped forward
 And you took the blame
 No matter where the chips would fall
 You'd stand up tall
 And bravely raise your hand and say your name
 Oh you took your lumps
 You weathered all the bumps
 And you paid whatever price there was to pay
 Were these lessons all for naught
 Because these days if you get caught
 Without a hint of shame here's what you say:
 Not me,
 Not me!
 It's somebody else's fault can't you see
 In the present atmosphere
 It's absolutely clear
 That the buck stops miles from here
 If you want to know the score
 Before you get into a war
 And we're asked to risk our money and our youth
 Before we mount that task
 It seems reasonable to ask
 If your info is conclusive
 Or at least the truth
 And when your reason's all go bust
 And you violate our trust
 We know we've all been down that road before
 No hint of shame upon your face
 Contrition not a trace
 No you'll never hear "I'm sorry" any more
 Not me,
 Not me!
 It's somebody else's fault can't you see
 In the present atmosphere
 It's absolutely clear
 That the buck stops miles from here
 If you lie or if you cheat
 Better not admit defeat
 Though you're caught with your fingers in the jar
 It will only show you're weak
 If you're penitent or meek
 And those virtues just won't get you very far
 'Cause in this world today
 Atonement is passe and everything I've seen in life confers
 Cross your fingers turn your back
 Let some sucker take the flack
 'Cause honesty is just a can of worms
 If you're poor and on the?
 Learn a little self-control
 And understand you are the reason for your fate
 Knuckle down, you lazy slob
 Quit complaining, get a job
 And girls get married, but only if you're straight
 But if you help to lead the nation
 Or your own corporation
 You are governed by a different set of rules
 Just deny and obfuscate
 Deflect and fabricate
 'Cause responsibility is just for fools
 Not me,
 Not me!
 It's somebody else's fault can't you see
 In the present atmosphere
 It's absolutely clear
 That the buck stops miles from here
 Not me,
 Not me!
 It's somebody else's fault can't you see
 Stomp your foot and tear your hair
 Ask me if I care
 'Cause the buck stops nowhere