June Tabor - Shipbuilding lyrics

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
Was spread around town
Somebody 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 a picture postcard
Within weeks they'll be
Re-opening the shipyards
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



With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life
When we could be diving for pearls