Flatlands

In the middle of the journey, in the middle of the day

I came to a city and I stopped to ask the way

What does it matter? Said the people with a sneer

You can't get there from here

You may be a gallant runner, you may hobble with the lame

There are forty crooked hedgerows and they all look just the same

Traveling gets weary, you get funny in the head

Stop right here instead

Well, says I, I was only passing through

I'd like to stop and rest a while, it's true

Then I asked them for a job to do

They gave me life insurance and a straw to chew

Welcome to the flatlands

All the maps agree

Far as the eye can see

It's level, dead level

Flatlands: life meanders by

Chew a straw and watch the grass grow high

And it's stand we stand together, fall you fall alone

Authority's a leash of love to bring you safely home

Fools look out for trouble where foreign breezes blow

Tell your children so

They've got to keep things ticking, they must never go on strike

They'll be standing there till Doomsday with their fingers in the dyke

There's faith and hope and patience and patience is the best

Turn your face from the rest

Well, says I, I'm much obliged to you

Everywhere I go I'm learning something new

If I understand your point of view

You don't believe we're dying our whole life through

Welcome to the flatlands...

And if they waste nothing they can keep their little pile

And if they say nothing they will not be on file

And if they see nothing no one will see them

No one will take down their name

And if they do not panic the pain will vanish soon

And if they never sing they'll never be out of tune

And if they are faithful they will get their reward

And if they are meek they will be spared

Well, says I, I was only passing through

I'd better get a move on 'cause the days are few

Poppies are red, cornflowers blue

The scythe is sharp the mowing's due

Welcome to the flatlands...

Wonder where the flying years go

Chew a straw and watch the grass grow high.