[Verse 1]
I been writing a book for my ghosts
In return for the times that they did it for me
I been staying up all of the night
The police have been helping me with my inquiries
They've taken my statement
They've read through my diary
They say that the case is closed
And you should write what you know
Write what you know

[Verse 2]
They sat me in front of the judge
He said, "Just look around you and open your eyes
What’s wrong with the things that you see?
Here is the verdict, a word to the wise
There's no need to make up
Those outrageous lies..."
He read out the sentence so slow
"You should write what you know
Write what you know"

[Verse 3]
I said, "I been singing a song from a dream
Like a letter that's sent for the pleasure of sending
I don't care if it ever gets there
Or if it goes round the world on a road never-ending
I try hard to please you
Without condescending"
And the jury said, "Well, let that man go
Write what he knows!
Write what he knows!"
[Verse 4]
So thanks for the thumbs up, my friends
It's good that we all know which way the wind's blowing
And I'll see this one through to the end
But what it will lead to there's no way of knowing
But I am a free man to do as I please
And away from this courtroom I go