FIFTY YEARS FROM NOW

It's hard times in the cities and it's hard times on the land,
But it's the stockbrokers and bankers say things are looking grand.
The economy's on the upturn, and they've made a solemn vow
That we'll feel the benefits, in maybe fifty years from now.

Fifty years from now, maybe fifty years from now,
We'll be ankle deep in gold dust, fifty years from now.
Stop this selfish whining. Look for the silver lining.
Prosperity's around the corner, fifty years from now.

The government has done its best to bring prosperity,
But all its work is threatened by the likes of you and me.
If we're to be competitive, it just can't be ignored,
That eating is a luxury we simply can't afford.

Fifty years from now, maybe fifty years from now,
It'll all be milk and honey, in maybe fifty years from now.
In the meantime keep your trap shut, and bear it with a grin,
And do your starving gracefully, or else they'll run you in.

The butter's piled in mountains. We're producing far too much,
But we can't afford to buy a bit, to spread upon our crusts.
The seas are full of fish that our fishing fleets could catch,
But if they did the EEC would make them throw them back.

Fifty years from now, maybe fifty years from now,
Tell the gas board that you'll pay the bill, fifty years from now.
If you are old or on the dole, then I know you'll be consoled
By the thought that it'll be much better fifty years from now.

We can't go on building hospitals; we need the cash for guns.
Our generals and admirals must have their bit of fun.
And schools don't bring the profits back, like nuclear bombs and tanks.
That's why the country's overrun by missile-toting yanks.

Fifty years from now, maybe fifty years from now,
We'll be blackened heaps of cinders, fifty years from now.
If we let them have their way, without fighting back today,
There'll be nothing left worth fighting for, fifty years from now.

Dick Gaughan. Celtic Music

From the CD 'Call It Freedom', Celtic Music, 28 Mercer Row, Louth, Lincolnshire, England.

'Phew!'