Shipbuilding (1983) Lyrics - Chumbawamba

Is it worth it? 

A new winter coat and shoes for the wife 

And a bicycle on the boy's birthday 

It's just a rumour that was spread around town 

By the women and children; soon we'll be shipbuilding 

Well, I ask you--the boy said, 

'Dad they're going to take me to task 

'But I'll be back by Christmas' 

It's just a rumour that's spread around town 

Someone said that someone got filled in 

For saying that people get killed 

In the result of this shipbuilding 

With all the will in the world 

Diving for dear life 

When we could be diving for pearls 

It's just a rumour that was spread around town 

A telegram or picture postcard 

Within weeks they'll be re-opening the ship yard 

And notifying the next of kin once again 

It's all we're skilled in, we will be shipbuilding 

With all the will in the world 

Diving for dear life 

When we could be diving for pearls