Come, get out of the way, boys
Quick, get out of the way
You'd better watch what you say, boys
Better watch what you say

We've rammed in your harbor and tied to your port
And our pistols are hungry and our tempers are short
So bring your daughters around to the port
'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys

We're the Cops of the World
We pick and choose as please, boys
Pick and choose as please
You'd best get down on your knees, boys

Best get down on your knees
We're hairy and horny and ready to shack
We don't care if you're yellow or black
Just take off your clothes and lie down on your back

'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys
We're the Cops of the World
Our boots are needing a shine, boys
Boots are needing a shine

But our Coca-cola is fine, boys
Coca-cola is fine
We've got to protect all our citizens fair
So we'll send a battalion for everyone there

And maybe we'll leave in a couple of years
'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys
We're the Cops of the World
Dump the reds in a pile, boys

Dump the reds in a pile
You'd better wipe of that smile, boys
Better wipe off that smile
We'll spit through the streets of the cities we wreck

We'll find you a leader that you can't elect
Those treaties we sighned were a pain in the neck
'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys
We're the Cops of the World

Clean the johns with a rag, boys
Clean the johns with a rag
If you like you can use your flag, boys
If you like you can use your flag

We've got too much money we're looking for toys
And guns will be guns and boys will be boys
But we'll gladly pay for all we destroy
'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys

We're the Cops of the World
Please stay off of the grass, boys
Please stay off of the grass
Here's a kick in the ass, boys

Here's a kick in the ass
We'll smash down your doors, we don't bother to knock
We've done it before, so why all the shock?
We're the biggest and toughest kids on the block

'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys
We're the Cops of the World
When we butchered your son, boys
When we butchered your son

Have a stick of our gum, boys
Have a stick of our buble-gum
We own half the world, oh say can you see
The name for our profits is democracy

So, like it or not, you will have to be free
'Cause we're the Cops of the World, boys
We're the Cops of the World


Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Cops of the World Lyrics as written by Phil Ochs

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Cops Of The World song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is reffering to the role the United States has played in foreign affairs throughout its history, as an economic exploiter.

    ahismaon May 05, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Cops of the World = US Army This is pretty relevent in our current situation.

    Relinquo1on May 06, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Like so many of Phil Ochs' songs, this one remains relevant many years after his tragic suicide. I wish he had found the strength to stay alive and keep writing and singing, because we need him now more than ever, in these days of Gee Dumbya "Baby Doc" Bush and his Gang O'Fascists.

    Jerrybearon December 15, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I am reminded of a song by "Kid Rock"...

    three different kids from three different men...

    HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF AGAIN!!!

    customers:Wal-Mart suckage::humans:historical suckage

    OpinionHeadon July 12, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Agreed, Jerry.

    HappyEmo1on January 12, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This is one of those songs that I used to think were blunt but broad metaphors for western governments and their military domination of the world, but sadly I've come to realize that the things they say in songs like this are actually quite literally true.

    epiwooshon September 30, 2014   Link

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