Why do your war ships sail on my waters?
Why  do your death bombs fall from my skies?
Why  do you burn my house and my farm down?
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why!

Why do your ships haul death to my people?
Nitro  blockbusters, big cannons and guns?
Why  don't your ships haul some food and some clothing?
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know!

I've  got to know, yes, I've got to know, friend;
Hungry lips ask me wherever I go!
Comrades and friends all falling around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why!

What  good work did you do, I'd like to ask you
To give you the money right out of my hand?
I built your big house to hide from my people
Why do you hide so, I'd like to know?

Why can't we spend more to build homeless shelters?
Why are the homeless here anyhow?
Your fortunes are building on war and on killing
I've gotta know, yes, I've got to know now!

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know, friend;
(mm-hmm-hm-hmmm.. yeah)
Comrades and friends all falling around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why!
You put me in jail and you lock me in prison
Your hospital's jammed and your crazyhouse full
Why did your cop hurt my unarmed peace worker?
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know!

My friends are dying, from AIDS and from cancer
Your big money goes where the death missiles fly
Built by good workers, paid by war taxes
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why!