Ian Dury & The Blockheads Follow

What did you learn at school today?
Jack shit
The minute the teacher turns away
That's it

How many times were you truly intrigued?
Not any
Is boredom a symptom of mental fatigue?
Not many

When have you ever been top of the class?
Not once
What will you do when you're out on your arse?
A dunce

What are your prospects of doing quite well?
Too small
And what will you have at the very last Bell?
Fuck all

You can't bear another's beauty, you can't emulate a grace
You can't filch another's mystery, occupy another's space
You can't do another's duty, or take a special place
In another person's history when they've sunk without a trace

What's the reward for being a berk?
A blank
Thick as a plank and looking for work
What a wank

What do you think of the Welfare State?
It's a fake
What have they handed you on a plate?
The ache

Have you considered how lucky you are?
Well shucks
What do you think of the system so far?
It sucks

Aren't you endowed with the patience of Job?
I wish
Don't you feel ready to conquer the globe?
Oh fish

You can't steal another's thunder, you can't fill a great divide
You can't steer another's fancy, you can't change another's side
Not undo another's blunder nor pretend another's pride
You can't offer necromancy till the final hope has died

I'm a second-class person citizen-wise
This is something I must recognize
It's not my place to make complaint
But am I happy? No, I ain't

I missed my chance when I was young
Now I live below the bottom rung
I was put on earth to discover my niche
Oh Lord