Cooper’s Lament

By Arlo Guthrie

Hey brothers, hear me call
It ain't that I had to fall
Wasn't no one's fault last night
When I looked up and felt the light

Here's hoping you'll understand
I want to fell like a natural man
Get up early in the morning to do what I can
You can't help no one with money
If you can't with your hands

And you got to be there brothers, yes you do
If the world is turning under you
Ain't no good to sit around
And bring it up or down
You got to be there brothers, yes you do

Hey brothers, now and then
There's something that oughta move you
More than a pen
You don't need no school or knowledge
You've got something else to lend
And all the people in the world
Can make it better again

And it ain't easy, yes I know
It's a hard and rugged road
Don't be swindled, don't be fooled
Just be honest and stay cool

'Cause you got to be there brothers, yes you do
If the world is turning under you
Ain't no good to sit around
And bring it up or down
You got to be there brothers, yes you do