Is it worth it?
A new winter coat and shoes for the wife
And a bicycle on the boy's birthday.

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
By the women and children, soon we'll be shipbuilding

Well I ask you
The boy said 'Dad, they're going to take me to task
But I'll be home by Christmas.

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
Somebody said that someone got filled in
For saying that people get killed in
The results of their shipbuilding.

With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life
When we could be diving for pearls.

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
A telegram for a picture postcard
Within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyard
And notifying the next of kin
Once again.

It's all we're skilled in
We will be shipbuilding.

With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life
When we could be diving for pearls.


Lyrics submitted by Dazbert

Shipbuilding Lyrics as written by Clive William Langer Elvis Costello

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Shipbuilding song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Robert Wyatt's version of Shipbuilding is definately in the top 10 of my favorite songs of all time. Unbelievaibly haunting and beautiful, Wyatt's voice is dripping with grief and resignation here. Stunnig and amazing. Robert Wyatt is a genius.

    Oh, and the song, writtten by Elvis Costello, is about the Falklands War.

    Zubbyon November 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I have grown to love this song.

    floreon January 03, 2008   Link

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