THE BIG PAYBACK

Version 1

I bought a scooter and I rented a shack
Out in the sun, by the railroad track
I got a job and I'm a-breakin' my back
Workin' and workin' for the big payback

I keep a puttin' and a puttin' out
I keep a sweatin' like all get out
I work so long that I'm a losin' track
Waitin', waitin' on the big payback

Well, it's a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, look out Sam
It's a gone dead train rumblin' down this track
They got your neck in the noose, you're draggin' long in back
Chasin' and chasin' the big payback

Oh what my foreman does well I don't know
He just throws me a shovel and yells "Go, Bobby, Go"
Oh well-a all day long he's just a diddy wack wack
While I'm sweatin' and sweatin' for the big payback

Well, it's a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, look out Sam
It's a gone dead train rumblin' down this track
They got your neck in the noose, your hands are tied up in back
And you're a-workin' and workin' for the big payback

I quit that job, and Mister I ain't goin' back
Got me a knife and she's a long and black
I'll tell you how I make my piece at night Mac
Down in the alley of the big payback

I go a wham, bam, thank you ma'am, god damn, c'mon man
You're a gone dead train rumblin' down this track
I got your neck in the noose and I don't give a damn, Jack
I'm on that long lost highway of the big payback
I'm on that long lost highway of the big payback
I'm on that long lost highway of the big payback

Home recording made shortly after Nebraska, B-side to OPEN ALL NIGHT in 1982. Also included on a European single in 1992 with LEAP OF FAITH and SHUT OUT THE LIGHT. This is the version that was released on The Essential Bruce Springsteen bonus disc. Check also version 2.

Available on:

1. The Essential Bruce Springsteen (disc 3- track 2)

Liner notes by Bruce Springsteen in the The Essential Bruce Springsteen booklet:

A little mean rockabilly cut at home shortly after the "Nebraska" album.