Gold Watch Blues
Composer(s): Mick Softley
Performer(s): Donovan; Mick Softley



I went up for my interview on the fourth day of July
First old man he questioned me until I nearly cried
Made me fill in forms until I shook with fear
About the colour of my toilet roll and if my cousin's queer

Chorus:

Here's your goldwatch and the shackles for your chain
And your piece of paper to say you left here sane
And if you've a son who wants a good career
Just get him to sign on the dotted line and work for fifty years

Chorus

He asked me how many jobs I'd had before
He nearly had a heart attack when I answered, four
Four jobs in twenty years, oh, this can never be
We only take on men who work until they die

Chorus

He took me outside to where the gravestones stand in line
This is where we bury them in quick-stone and in lime
And if you come to work for us on this you must agree
That if you're going to die please do it during tea

Chorus

This story that you heard you may think rather queer
But it is the truth you'll be surprised to hear
I did not want no job upon the board
I just wanted to take a broom and sweep the bloody floor

Chorus