While Roy Bailey and Leon Rosselson certainly performed the song, it was actually written by Ian Campbell – the Ian Campbell Folk Group


Well I took this job when I left school 'cause I thought it might be fun.
I signed the papers binding me till I was twenty-one.

CHORUS: But I just can't wait to collect my cards; I just can't wait to go.
I can't get along with the people here and the work it bores me so!

So I learned a trade for what it's worth and the time has gone so slow,
But soon my birthday's coming up and I'll be free to go. CHORUS

Well, I think I'll wait 'till the wedding's over before I say goodbye,
For the girl-friend tells me we must save if a house we have to buy. CHORUS

Now, I'll have to wait till the baby's born before I can be free,
For I understand a pregnant wife must have security. CHORUS

Well, I think I'll wait till the kids leave school before I break away,
For growing kids eat money and I need the steady pay. CHORUS

Now, I think I'll wait till the house is mine before I break the tie,
For the interest rates keep rising and the car it bleeds me dry. CHORUS

Now, I think I'll wait till retiring age before I risk a break,
For the pension scheme insures the wife and it's mainly for her sake. CHORUS

Well, thank you for the gold watch, sir, the silver collection too,
But are you sure I have to go? For I won't know what to do.

CHORUS: And I just can't bear to collect my cards; I just can't bear to go;
For I shall miss the people here, and my life it bores me so.