[Intro] [Doorbell rings, alarm clock rattles, brass band stabs] [Spoken] Half past nine? Oh, no. [Verse 1] Woke up with my trousers hanging from the light One shoe in the kitchen, one missing overnight Her mother said, “Be punctual, we dine at half past ten” I promised on my honour I’d be early once again I ran out with my necktie tied around my knee The number twenty-seven drove straight past me A milk float blocked the crossing, then it started pouring too Just another perfect morning back in 1982 [Pre-Chorus] Left foot, right foot Mind the painted door Every time I hurry I get later than before [Chorus] Late again in ’82 The whole town knows before I do The clock says ten, my watch says two I’m late again in ’82 Run, run, polish your shoe Smile like nothing’s wrong with you I’ll be there before they finish stew I’m late again in ’82 [Verse 2] I borrowed someone’s bicycle outside the corner shop The chain came off in Camden and the saddle wouldn’t stop A policeman raised an eyebrow, so I gave a little wave Then crashed into a flower stall beside an open grave I bought a bunch of daffodils, or what was left intact The florist took my last five pounds and wouldn’t take them back I jumped aboard a black cab, but the driver said, “We’re through— There’s a march along the high street and the Queen is coming too” [Pre-Chorus] Left turn, right turn Mind the marching band Every road to dinner Has a barrier at hand [Chorus] Late again in ’82 The whole town knows before I do The clock says ten, my watch says two I’m late again in ’82 Run, run, polish your shoe Smile like nothing’s wrong with you I’ll be there before they finish stew I’m late again in ’82 [Post-Chorus: Group] Too late! Not yet! Too late! You bet! [Saxophone Break] [Baritone sax riff, honking brass replies, piano glissando] [Verse 3] At last I found their terrace with a minute left to spare Straightened up my collar, ran my fingers through my hair I rang the bell politely, held the flowers to my chest Her father opened wearing only slippers and a vest He looked at me, then looked behind, then slowly shook his head “You’ve come a week too early, son—that’s next Saturday,” he said My darling leaned around him with a cup of morning brew And laughed until she nearly fell— [Spoken] In 1982. [Half-Time Bridge] Some men arrive precisely Some men arrive with style Some men bring wine and roses I bring traffic by the mile But she took my hand and kissed me Said, “At least you made the door” Then her mother called from upstairs— [Female, shouted] “Who are all these flowers for?” [Final Chorus] Late again in ’82 The whole street knows before I do The date was wrong, the flowers flew I’m late again in ’82 Run, run, nothing to prove Life gets better when you miss your cue Next week I’ll arrive in ’83 Though she said, “Try half past two” [Backing Vocals] Too soon! Too late! Wrong day! Wrong gate! Turn around and start anew Late again in ’82 [Outro] [Brass accelerates, alarm clock rings] [Spoken] Right. Same time next week? [Female] No. [Final saxophone honk]
