Story Behind The Song

A check was returned for insufficient funds because the account was a couple of pennies short.

Song Description

Amusing song about a returned check.

Lyrics

CHECK NUMBER 483


I went down to the local post office, opened up my P.O. box
I knew I was in big trouble as I reached into the slot
There was a thin white envelope waiting right there for me
It was from my bank in town, so I opened it immediately

Cho Check number 483 has been returned for insufficient funds
In your account you were 4 cents short, our bookkeepers have
learned
You must pay twenty extra dollars, that's our standard penalty
We expect payment in five days, or sooner, if you please

I jumped into my car and drove to where I cashed that check
Sure enough, it had been returned, the veins were poundin' in my neck
Twenty more dollars to the store left me in a rage
Forty dollars seems like a fortune when you work for minimum wage

The next day I went to the post office, opened up my P.O. box
Another envelope was waitin' for me, as I opened it I was in shock
Congratulations, you are a winner, enclosed herein is your check
For five million dollars, tax-free, no strings attached

Cho Check number 483 has been returned for insufficient funds
In your account you were 4 cents short, our bookkeepers have
learned
You must pay twenty dollars, that's our standard penalty
We expect payment in five days, or sooner, if you please

Took that five million dollar check to that bank of mine
Before I did anything rash, it had to be genuine
It was good, the teller said, with the bank prez by her side
Plunkin' down 4 cents and a twenty, you know, I thought they'd die
and I said

Cho Check number 483 has been returned for insufficient funds
In my account I was 4 cents short, your bookkeepers have
learned
Here's your twenty extra dollars, that's your standard penalty
I've made my payment within five days, ACCOUNT CLOSED,
if you please

Talk And as I walked away, I saw a grown man cry




Copyright 1995 F.D. Stasey
A.M. Stasey