I could be the driver in an articulated lorry

I could be a poet I wouldn't need to worry

I could be the teacher in a classroom full of scholars

I could be the sergeant in a squadron full of wallahs

What a waste What a waste

What a waste What a waste

Because I tried to play the fool in a six-piece band

First-night nerves every one-night stand

I should be glad to be so inclined

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind

I could be a lawyer with stratagems and muses

I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises

I could be a writer with a growing reputation

I could be the ticket-man at Fulham Broadway station

What a waste What a waste

What a waste What a waste

Because I tried to play the fool in a six-piece band

First-night nerves every one-night stand

I should be glad to be so inclined

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind

I could be the catalyst that sparks the revolution

I could be an inmate in a long-term institution

I could lead to wide extremes I could do or die

I could yawn and be withdrawn and watch them gullify

What a waste What a waste

What a waste What a waste

Because I tried to play the fool in a six-piece band

First-night nerves every one-night stand

I should be glad to be so inclined

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind

Chose to play the fool in a six-piece band

First-night nerves every one-night stand

I should be glad to be so inclined

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind

Chose to play the fool in a six-piece band

First-night nerves every one-night stand

I should be glad to be so inclined

What a waste What a waste

But the world don't mind