(To the tune of Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Andy Razaf (Fats Waller singing and playing, from Stormy Weather film, 1943); Fats Waller (piano only, 1929); Ruth Etting (from 1929 Connie’s Hot Chocolates musical); Louis Armstrong (1929); Sarah Vaughan; Billie Holiday; and many more…)
Won’t show that income
I’ve worked to earn
Honest Abe Lincoln
Would report on his return.
Tax misbehavin’
I’m bettin’ they won’t catch me.
All those instructions
I’ve read with zeal.
For huge deductions
I’ve made up that aren’t real.
Tax misbehavin”
I’m bettin’ they won’t catch me.
Self-assessing
Is a blessing
Claim what I think
Will yield red ink
No tax is what I’m aiming for
When I file.
With audit numbers
Down to the lees
IRS slumbers
And I’m taking liberties.
Tax misbehavin’
I’m bettin’ they won’t catch me.
Reprise
But should perception
Turn out a sham
From self-deception
I’ll be living on-the-lam.
Tax misbehavin”
May seem like it’s only play.
But, I’ll be behavin’
Should they catch and cart me away.