Lyrics Pay as You Earn - Alternate Version - The Mighty Sparrow

It's a shame, it's a shame
But we have we self to blame
It's a shame, it's a shame
But we have we self to blame
We ask for new Government
Now they taking every cent
Cost of living is the same
It is really a burning shame

Because the Doctor say to pay as you earn
But Sparrow say you paying to learn
And me father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector come to pay off the income tax

Plenty people want to cry
They miss the water, the well run dry
But they can't do a thing about it
The money ain't going in the Doctor pocket
First of all we want better schools
For your children don't grow up as fools
Then work for you and me
That is what plenty ah them can't see

All they know is
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
But Sparrow say you paying to learn
And here me father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector come to pay off the income tax

Everybody is in misery
But this tax ain't bothering me
For I am not working anywhere
So I have no income to share
But Mr. This and Mr. That
Who accustom with they pay roll fat
Is to see them shedding tears
Men like De Freitas and Fernandez

The Doctor taking everything they earn
That's why Sparrow tell them, they're paying to learn
And their father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector come to pay off the income tax

When the Doctor went up to England
They bluntly refuse to support his plan
So there is nothing he can do
Than to get it from me and you
That's the law now in Trinidad
If you don't like it, well that's too bad
Take your things and get out today
Because all who working must pay, yes

The Doctor say to pay as you earn (P.A.Y.E.)
And Sparrow say you paying to learn
Even mhe father say he selling the axe
For when the collector come to pay the income tax