A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey in Ukraine)
Her face and arms began to swell.
(and Whitey’s in Ukraine)
I can’t pay no doctor bill.
(but Whitey’s in Ukraine)
Ten years from now I’ll be payin’ still.
(while Whitey’s in Ukraine)
The man jus’ upped my rent las’ night.
(’cause Whitey’s in Ukraine)
No hot water, no toilets, no lights.
(but Whitey’s in Ukraine)
I wonder why he’s uppi’ me?
(’cause Whitey’s in Ukraine?)
And I was already payin’ ‘im fifty a week.
(with Whitey in Ukraine)
Taxes takin’ my whole damn check,
Junkies makin’ me a nervous wreck,
The price of food is goin’ up,
An’ as if all that shit wasn’t enough
A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey in Ukraine)
Her face an’ arm began to swell.
(but Whitey’s in Ukraine)
Was all that money I made las’ year
(for Whitey in Ukraine?)
How come there ain’t no money here?
(Hm! Whitey’s in Ukraine!)
Y’know I jus’ ’bout had my fill
(of Whitey in Ukraine)
I think I’ll sen’ these doctor bills,
Airmail special
(to Whitey in Ukraine)
— Paraphrased from Gil Scott-Heron, “Whitey on the moon.”