Signing On

Signing On [Intro – Spoken] (Number ninety-seven… number ninety-seven… that’s me then.) [Verse 1] Grey sky, wet socks, coat’s too thin Queue’s round the block and I’m soaked to the skin Man behind the glass won’t look my way Just ticks a box and says, “Same next day” [Chorus] Signing on, with a pen that don’t work Bit of biro left on a state-paid clerk Smile for the stamp, lie for the pay Same old line, same old day [Verse 2] One lad’s laughing, one’s asleep One’s got a tie, like that makes it deep Posters peeling off the wall “No future here” scribbled down the hall [Chorus] Signing on, got no plan But I’ve got six forms and a busted van Cracked seat cold, pocket’s bare Ska in my ears, wind in my hair [Middle Eight – Call & Response] (WHAT DO YOU WANT?) Bit of hope (WHAT DID YOU GET?) Bit of soap (WHERE WILL YOU GO?) Dunno yet (WHEN’S IT CHANGE?) Not just yet! [Chorus – Extended] Signing on, same as before Soles worn thin on a lino floor No briefcase, no career But I’ll dance through the waiting year [Outro – Spoken] (“We’ll call your name when society remembers you exist.” Cheers, then.)