Highway Robbery
(dedicated to small town police everywhere)

Driving down the road in my neighborhood
Friday afternoon, off the leash and feeling good
Suddenly a guy behind me was honking and flashing his lights
I wondered if I was dragging something, or a wheel was not on tight

Could be an old friend, someone I had known
I hadn't gotten out before he was at my window
He said "Where are you going so fast?"
I didn't know quite what to say, when he said "Got any cash?"

"Who the hell are you? Is this what you do for fun?"
He pulled his coat 'round his hip, in his belt he had a gun
I pulled out my wallet, "My job paid cash today..."
He took the fifty from my hand, and I watched him drive away

Who is this asshole I was just talking to?
Can't he find an honest job like me and you?
Where'd he get that gun he shouldn't have at all?
Will we ever stand up to them and say that's all?
What a racket he's got, hiding in the ditches
I hate to see my money go to perpetuate these leaches


Back on the road, Friday night's still looking good
Stunned? We'll not me, had a fifty in my shoe.
Wait a minute, what is this, something isn't right...
I'm looking in my mirror at flashing colored lights

Oh no! Not again! Too late to hit the brake
Now it's hightway robbery sanctioned by the state
He said "Are you aware that you were going fast?"
"I'm aware you protect yourself and serve your own intrest."

* "Hey boy, you wanna go downstairs and talk about it?"

"I was driving with the flow of traffic"
"You must be kidding, that one is a classic."
Of course I pled no guilt by signing my mark
then I watched him drive away, back into the dark

Who is this asshole I was just talking to?
Can't he find an honest job like me and you?
Where'd he get that gun he shouldn't have at all?
Will we ever stand up to them and say that's all?
What a racket he's got, hiding in the ditches
I hate to see my money go to perpetuate these leaches


* A line I was actually handed by a police officer in the Garland, Texas
police department, refering to a basement jail where the police have 
a reputation for decisivly settling disagreements.