Five young apprentices working on the site
Nobody knows, nobody knows.
Five young apprentices trying to get it right
And no-no-nobody knows.

The foreman said: "I know you'll say you've 'eard it all before
"But when you five have done your time you'll soon be earning more -
"But don't step off that scaffolding, son, we're on the seventh floor!"
(fading sound of scream)
Then there were four.
And nobody knows where the other one went.
No-no-nobody knows.

Four young apprentices working on the site
Nobody knows, nobody knows
Four young apprentices trying to get it right
And no-no-nobody knows.

The foreman said "Now sit up straight and listen 'ere to me.
"I know that it's your lunch break and you've got the hour free
"But when we're felling timber, lad, don't sit beneath the tree!"
(Creak of falling tree)
Then there were three.
And nobody knows where the other one went.
No-no-nobody knows.

Three young apprentices working on the site
Nobody knows, nobody knows
Three young apprentices trying to get it right
And no-no-nobody knows.

The foreman said "Don't think I'm creeping round to spy on you;
"I know that it's your tea-break and you've twenty minutes due -
"But it isn't wise to sleep down there when concrete's pouring through!"
(Gurgling sounds)
Then there were two.
And nobody knows where the other one went
No-no-nobody knows.

Two young apprentices working on the site
Nobody knows, nobody knows.
Two young apprentices trying to get it right
And no-no-nobody knows.

The foreman said "Now listen lads, when all is said and done"
"I think you'll find that working in the building trade is fun -
"Hey, don't go striking matches near that dodgy gas-pipe, son!"
(Explosion)
Then there was one.
And nobody knows where the other one went.
Nobody knows, nobody knows, no-no-nobody knows.

Now the last young apprentice said "I'm getting out of 'ere.
"I've 'ad enough, I want me cards, I'll also take me gear.
"I'm off to join the army, mate, it's much too dangerous 'ere.
"Cos no-no-no-no no-no-no-no no-no-nobody knows!"