Song Lyrics

My name was Richard Nixon, only now I'm a girl
You wouldn't know it but I used to be the king of the world
Compared to last time I look like I've hit the skids
Living in the project with my two little kids

It's not what I would have chose
Now you have to call me Rose

I was the boss of bosses the last time around
I lived by cunning and ambition unbound
The suckers said they'd stand behind me right or wrong
As if they thought that hubris was the mark of the strong

I was an arrogant man
But now I've got it in hand
It's not what I would have chose
Now you have to call me Rose

Call me Rose
Call me Rose
It's not what I would have chose
Now you have to call me Rose

My name is Richard Nixon, only now I'm a girl
You wouldn't know it but I used to be the king of the world
I'm back here learning what it is to be poor
To have no power but the strength to endure

I'll perform my penance well
Maybe the memoir will sell
It's not what I would have chose
Now you have to call me Rose
Now you have to call me Rose

Bruce Cockburn