'PANTS ON THE GROUND'-- WITH EMPTY POCKETS.... THE 'GENERAL' DIDN'T COPYRIGHT HIS SONG...

Mr. "Pants on the Ground" "General" Larry Platt hasn't made any cash since his tune became a web (and radio) sensation.

TMZ reports the General is now hiring a lawyer to help him rake in some cash.

His first problem is... Platt never copyrighted the song.