I want to tell you something;
Listen to me,
I'm trying to say, I'm better than you,
I am only what I am"

"We must not stand still,
For the night is coming,
Every man, every woman and child,
Everybody help me"

I hear, only what I want to hear,
But, I have to believe in something,
Have to believe in just one thing.
I said father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup.
Well, spare a listen for a restless fool,
There's something missing when I need your rule.

Well, hey there;
You tell me you're a holy man, but, although I am just a beginner,
I don't see you as a winner.
I said, sister Washington, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup;
If I could tell you what you need to know;
If I could tell you to get on with the show.

I'd rather never leave her,
There's a storm in my head,
Makes me hear what you say;
Just was it true?
So, what have I to do?
Well, what has he to do?-
Ooh, what is there to-oo do+
What oh-oh-ohoh

"All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the lord god made them all"

Mary, oh tell me what I'm living for,
Cause I feel like I'm tossed in the river,
Oh' have you a son to deliver.

I said, father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup,
You tell the children what you need to know,
But, will they listen when it's time to go.

Oh, sister Robinson, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup,
Can someone tell me what I need to know,
Can someone help me to get on with the show


Lyrics submitted by cheeky_munkeys42, edited by Bryophyta, BradBelanger, AlphaFSC, kwisp

A Soapbox Opera Lyrics as written by Roger Hodgson Richard Davies

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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A Soapbox Opera song meanings
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    General Comment

    It has been pointed out to me it the original lyric in the bridge is not "Reverend Ebenezer" - this is a misheard lyric, but Roger actually does sing that in some live versions - a wry sense of humour perhaps.

    Sunnyhillon July 08, 2014   Link

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