Written by John Mellencamp

Country gentleman walked a crooked mile,
Got our money in his pocket
Did it all with a very handsome smile
Now, he's livin' it up in a great big office
He ain't a-gonna help no poor man
He ain't a-goona help no poor man
He ain't a-gonna help no poor man
He's just gonna help his rich friends

He ain't a-gonna help no women
He ain't a-gonna help no children
He's just gonna help his rich friends

Country gentleman, we see him on TV,
Glad handin' folks and chattin' to the nation
We never knew what really to believe
Just word upon slogan with emotional connection

Chorus:
He ain't a-gonna help no poor man
He ain't a-gonna help no children
He ain't a-gonna help no women
He's just gonna help his rich friends

And in the papers all we'd ever read is
So and so big-shot signed his resignation
Now, country gentleman he wants us to believe
That he's kind and honest with the best intentions

Chorus

Country gentleman, now there's a bird that flew
High above his nation, prayed on it's weakness
Picked our bones and threw it in his stew
Thank God he went back to California

Chorus