Facing the world ain't easy, when there isn't anything going
 Standing at the corner waiting, watching time go by
 Will I go to work today or shall I bide my time

 'Cos when I see that union man walking down the street
 He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat
 Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine
 Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line
 Now I think of what my mamma told me
 She always said that it would never ever work out
 But all I want to do is make some money
 And bring you home some wine
 I don't want you ever to see me standing in that line
 'Cos that union man's got such a hold over me
 He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve or I eat
 Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine
 Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line
 Get back, get back, get back, back in the line