The 'Dead-Man Test Blues' is a song by Cody Morris that illustrates a man's struggle in a relationship, focusing on ineffective behavioral contingencies that fail to produce desired outcomes. It references the 'dead-man test,' which states that if a dead man can perform an action, it isn't considered behavior. The song describes various contingencies like punishment and reinforcement, highlighting the man's increasing troubles in a humorous and relatable manner.

1. {
Dead-Man Test Blues
By: Cody Morris and the Reinforcers

2.  The Dead-Man Test Blues is a song about a man
and his love interest trying to control each
others behavior with ineffective contingencies.
 All the contingencies are ineffective because
they fail the Dead-Man Test. (If you find a
contingency that fails more than the Dead-Man
Test email us and let us know. You’ll get cool
points!)
 As the contingencies fail, the man’s problems
worsen giving him the Dead-Man Test Blues

3. What is the Dead-Man
Test?
Definition:
If a Dead Man can do it, it probably isn’t behavior. (Malott 2014)
Example:
If you are working with a student who is frequently distracted in class
and does not complete their work, an appropriate target behavior
cannot be doesn't’t do work. Not doing their worksheet is not a
behavior. A Dead Man can not do their worksheet. A more appropriate
target behavior would be the student talking during work time.

4. Enjoy

5.  I got a baby, she yell at me, she always tryin,
Punishment Contingency.
So I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

6.  I bought my baby, a big diamond ring, you
know what I’m doing, Reinforcement
Contingency.
But I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

7.  I got a shiny new car, but she takin my keys,
you know she thinkin, Punishment-By-
Prevention-Of-A-Reinforcer Contingency.
 (That Contingency is really tough to say in
rhythm)
And I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

8.  My baby screamin, saw that girl with me, now
I’m trying to get that, Escape Contingency.
But I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

9.  I tried to get, that girl to leave, but she wont get
out my life, Punishment-By-Prevention-Of-
Removal Contingency.
 (Another tough one)
And I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

10.  My baby leavin, takin everything, I know its
gotta be Penalty Contingency.
And I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

11.  You know she angry, she wanna get me, but I’m
hoping Avoidance Contingency.
But I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

12.  So now she stayin, you know how it be, its
Avoidance-of-loss Contingency.
But I’ve got the blues. Dead-Man Test Blues

13. Dedicated to Dick Malott
Written and Performed by:
Cody Morris
Sung by:
Caila Conklin
Harmonica by:
Mike Bartz
Special thanks to:
Denice Rios
Katie Suszek
& the rest of the Peterson
Lab