Russell Orr

Lyrics

Self-Made Man

You know I was there when you were so scared
And you pissed yourself and they knocked you down the stairs
And the curious crowd grew and the best girl you knew
Watched you crying on the landing
You only wanted a little kindness and understanding

I remember your call out of the blue, you never thought it could happen to you
But there was hope, there was good news too
The doctor said it could be removed
And you weren’t so scared when that nice nurse was there
You gave her flowers and told everyone she was outstanding
She only showed you a little kindness and understanding

Now you’re a 1%, a self-made man
With your gated community and your tax shelter plan
You close the deals, you work the phone in the airport all alone
And complain that your life is so demanding
You only want a little kindness and understanding

You gaze past your hood ornament at those humble souls
Uncultured, uneducated takers on the welfare rolls
Some are more wise than you
And some wouldn’t compromise like you
But you’re the one with smug social standing

Look me in the eye I know your name
And see your reflected guilt and shame
And look for a little kindness and understanding