Robert Wyatt — Shipbuilding

[Verse 1] Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy's birthday [Chorus] It's just a rumor that was spread around town By the women and children Soon we'll be shipbuilding [Verse 2] Well, I ask you The boy said, "Dad, they're going to take me to task But I'll be home by Christmas" [Chorus] It's just a rumor that was spread around town Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed In the results of their shipbuilding [Post-Chorus] With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls [Chorus] It's just a rumor that was spread around town A telegram for a picture postcard Within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyard And notifying the next of kin once again It's all we're skilled in We will be shipbuilding [Post-Chorus] With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls