Wind Up Workin' In A Gas Station

Lyrics

This here song might offend you some
If it does, it's because you're dumb
That's the way it is where I come from
If you've been there too, let me see your thumb

Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)
Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)

Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)
Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)

Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)
Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)

Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)
Let me see your thumb
(Ah, let me see your thumb)

Show me your thumb if you're really dumb
Show me your thumb if you're really dumb
Show me your thumb if you're really dumb
Show me your thumb if you're dumb

Hey now, better make a decision
Be a moron and keep your position
You oughta know now all your education
Won't help you no-how, you're gonna . . .

Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station

Pumpin' the gas every night
Pumpin' the gas every night
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station

Pumpin' the gas every night
Pumpin' the gas every night
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station

Manny de Camper vants to buy some vite
(Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station)
(Fish!)
Manny de Camper vants to buy some vite
(Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station)
(Fish!)
Manny de Camper vants to buy some vite
(Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station)
(Fish!)
Manny de Camper vants to buy some vite
(Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station)
(Fish!)

Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station
Wind up workin' in a gas station

Records On Which This Song Has Appeared

Official Frank Zappa Albums

• Zoot Allures
• FZ:OZ
• You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 6

Beat The Boots:

• Conceptual Continuity.

Bootleg recordings:

• An Evening In Detroit - same take as on Conceptual Continuity.

Tributes & Cover Albums

• Tinsel Town Rebellion Band: Absolutely Live

Notes About This Song

• Fz often said in his shows: „This song is about higher education”
• The thumb reference explains an obvious way to identify anyone who makes a living working on automobiles. Automechanics typically have black grease under the finger and thumb nails. In addtion, the thumb has a tendency to take some abuse in this occupation, and after a while will have a hammered on appearance. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud.

In addition, mechanics are seldom regarded as members of the intellectual elite, so the stigma of a black, scarred thumb could translate to "destined for a lifetime of failure and mediocrity". i.e. "Wind up working in a gas station"...

I recall, back in the 50's the big joke on the playground was to say:
Look up (victim looks up)
Look down (victim looks down)
See my thumb? (victim nods "yes")
You're dumb. (end of joke).

• "Manny de camper wants to buy some white." - apparently a reference to white gas, which is something like propane, something nearly every camper needs.

(notes from arf.ru)