Turn on the TV, 'cause I got nowhere to go

Seems that there's a little trouble down in Mexico

A 13-year-old boy robs a store so he can eat

And they got him doing time while killers walk the streets



A hungry politician is the wolf that's at the door

Hell-bent submission and feedin' on the poor

We could stare into the sun if we would open up your eyes

But we paint ourselves into a corner colored in white lies



Busted on the rockpile - getting dusted in the heat

Shackled to the system - and draggin' my feet



I'm riding on a breakdown - another whiteknuckled shakedown

Feels like I'm livin' on a chain gang

I'm riding on a breakdown - a suicidal shakedown

Feels like I'm on a chain gang



A con man's intuition can wash your sins away

Send your contribution and he'll save your soul today

What can he know, has he been through hell and back

He takes the cash and drives it home in a brand new Cadillac



Spitting at the guard dog, burning in his wicked deal

Screamin' down the railroad with no one at the wheel



I'm riding on a breakdown - another whiteknuckled shakedown

Feels like I'm livin' on a chain gang

I'm riding on a breakdown - a suicidal shakedown

Feels like I'm on a chain gang



Faith healin', superstition

Cold blooded criminal mind

Getting off on high position

Hey brother can you spare a dime

To get me off this slaughter line



I'm riding on a breakdown - another whiteknuckled shakedown

Feels like I'm livin' on a chain gang

I'm riding on a breakdown - a suicidal shakedown