Excerpt From A Teenage Opera
Composer(s): Philwit Hopkins; Pegasus Hopkins
Performer(s): Keith West



Count the days into years
Yes, eighty-two brings many fears
Yesterday's laughter turns to tears
His arms and legs don't feel so strong
His heart is weak, there's something wrong
Opens windows in despair
Tries to breathe in some fresh air
His conscience cries, "Get on your feet
Without you, Jack, the town can't eat"

Refrain: 

Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack, get off your back
go into town, don't let them down, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack, get off your back
go into town, don't let them down, oh no, no

The people that live in the town
don't understand -  he's never been known to miss his round
It's ten o'clock, the housewives yell 
"When Jack turns up, we'll give him hell"
Husbands moan at breakfast tables, no milk, no eggs, no marmalade labels
Mothers send their children out, to Jack's house to scream and shout

Refrain

It's Sunday morning, bright and clear
lovely flowers decorate a marble square
People cry and mourn away, think about the fateful day
Now they wish they'd given Jack more affection and respect
The little children, dressed in black, don't know what's happened to old Jack

Refrain

Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack, is it true what Mummy said
you won't come back
Oh no, no

(repeat)