"Not Needed" lyrics - GIL SCOTT-HERON

He had had two cups of coffee
Two cups more than was allowed
But he never been one to take advice
[?]
Light up a cigarette
Sit down turn on the radio
I can't be in no hurry cuz there ain't no place to go
They can call this a retirement
They can call a wall a floor
But they always call collect when you're not needed anymore

When you're not needed
Things ain't like they was before
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore
When you're not needed
You'll see just what's in store
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore

Spent a thousand frozen midnights
[?]
Drinkin' [?] from a thermos
So the boss can't [?]
Check the morning papers
See who was runnin' at the track
Sister called two nights ago and you swore you'd call her back
The day just seems to close in like a room that's got no doors
When the plain and simple truth is you're not needed anymore

When you're not needed
Things ain't like they was before
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore
When you're not needed
You'll see just what's in store
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore

There was no use being bitter
It was over with and done
And if the struggle was to finish
He supposed that he had won
But it seems that when you slow down
Things can catch up with you then
Get the rest you always needed
And you feel the rust set in
The only thing worse than being old is being old and poor
'Cuz they'll use you and discard you when you're not needed anymore

When you're not needed
Things ain't like they was before
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore
When you're not needed
You'll see just what's in store
When you're not needed
When you're not needed anymore