As the maid poured wine and we prepared to dine
I knew I was feelin’ out of place
At a table as large as a river barge
And “I love you” written all on your face
I appreciate you hospitality
But I wish that we would go
Let me drive us to McDonald’s and I’ll talk to you
Concernin’ somethin’ you should really know
I’m just a common man, drive a common van
My dog ain’t got a pedigree
If I have my say, it gonna stay that way
‘Cause high-browed people lose their sanity
And a common man is what I’ll be
I’ll take a Chevrolet just any day
So give your Daddy back his Mercedes Benz
And there’s some common people that I hang out with
They’re my good time buddies, they’re my friends
And I’d rather chug-a-lug a mug of Budweiser Beer
Than sip a crystal glass of wine
So won’t you make your mind up to believe in me
And leave this high livin’ world behind
I’m just a common man, drive a common van
My dog ain’t got a pedigree
If I have my say it’s gonna stay that way
‘Cause high-browed people lose their sanity
And a common man is what I’ll be
And I’m happy just being free
And I’m happy just being me
And I hope that you will see
I’m just a common man, drive a common van
My dog ain’t got a pedigree
If I have my say, it gonna stay that way
‘Cause high-browed people lose their sanity
And a common man is what I’ll be
– Sammy Johns (1981)
Common Man – John Conlee
I’m just a common ick
Ain’t got no teeth left to pick
My dentist I ain’t got to see
If I had my say they would stay that way
Them dentures are too fancy for me
And a common ick is what I’ll be
I’m just a common guy
Ain’t got no reason to cry
My story ain’t got no tragedy
If ignorance is bliss, call me the happiest
There’s no clouds in this here coffee
And a common guy is what I’ll be
I’m just a common Joe
My brain don’t need to grow
I don’t plan on doin’ no surgery
Take your disapprovin’ looks and pack ’em up with your books
Keep your square hats and your fancy degrees
And a common Joe is what I’ll be
– Additional verses – John and Laura (1980s?)