Reply #5: The Bob Seger System [View All]

For some of the best, little-known Seger (and the real reason he is in the Rock HOF), check out this anti-war gem from his 1968 debut album when he called his band, a power trio, "The Bob Seger System".

"2+2=?"

Yes it's true I am a young man
But I'm old enough to kill
I don't wanna kill nobody
But I must if you so will
And if I raise my hand in question
You just say that I'm a fool
Cause I got the gall to ask you
Can you maybe change the rules
Can you stand and call me upstart
Ask what answer can I find, I ain't sayin' I'm a genius
2+2 is on my mind

Well I knew a guy in high school
Just an average friendly guy
And he had himself a girlfriend
And you made them say goodbye
Now he's buried in the mud
Over foreign jungle land
And his girl just sits and cries
She just doesn't understand
So you say he died for freedom
Well if he died to save your lies
Go ahead and call me yellow
2+2 is on my mind

All I know is that I'm young and your rules they are old
If I've got to kill to live
Then there's something left untold
I'm no statesman I'm no general
I'm no kid I'll never be
It's the rules not the soldier
that I find the real enemy

I'm no prophet I'm no rebel
I'm just asking you why
I just want a simple answer
Why it is I 've got to die
I'm a simple minded guy
2+2 is on my mind