Union Songs
Keeping up Appearances
A song by Jim Lesses ©1997, Jim Lesses. All Rights Reserved
- [play]
I know I’ve seen that face before, I recognise his grin,
Though last time he was heavier, and now he’s looking thin.
Life hasn’t been to kind to him, but do I want to know?
I'm dragging my own bloody cross, although it may not show.A thousand cuts upon me back, have left it bent and sore,
I don’t think I can tolerate a thousand bloody more.
There’s only so much punishment a working man can take,
If they keep on turning down the screws I swear I'm gonna break.Chorus
I'm keeping up appearances, ‘cause what else can I do?
Everybody has their problems, and I know that you do too.
I used to grin and bear it, but it’s getting out of hand,
So join me in a new Crusade, and take a bloody stand.With politicians bickering so much it makes me weep,
The poor go to bed hungry and they cry themselves to sleep.
The unemployed take up their clothes and tighten up their belts.
Using shirts they got from charity to cover up their welts.I’m fed up to the neck with it, I think I'm gonna choke
On politicians promises, it’s no longer a joke.
The ‘battlers’ of Australia have had a-bloody-nough,
They’re tired of talking all the pain, and doing it real tough.Chorus
And keeping up appearances, ‘cause what else can they do?
Everybody has their problems, and theyI know that you do too.
They used to grin and bear it, but it’s getting out of hand,
So join 'em in a new Crusade, and take a bloody stand.And there’s eighty thousand young kids, and they know they’ve been ignored,
They need some work tomorrow, but they want a just reward.
So don’t try to exploit them, and don’t pay them on the cheap,
If you treat them just like animals, then all you’ll get sheep.The ‘Battlers of Australia’ are waiting in the wings,
They’re banking on each other to see what the future brings.
They know they have the power, and they know they have the right,
The battle’s just beginning, and they won’t give up the fight.Chorus
No more keeping up appearances, ‘cause what else can they do?
Everybody has their problems, and they know that you do too.
They used to grin and bear it, but it’s getting out of hand,
So join 'em in a new Crusade, and take a bloody stand.
Come on, mate. Join us in a new Crusade, and take a bloody stand.
Notes
Many thanks to Jim Lesses for permission to include this song in the Union Songs collection
Find more Jim Lesses songs at http://www.jimlesses.com
union songs..........a selection by mark gregory