Lester Simpson 1995
Growing up in hard times on the wrong side of the tracks
Means you’re often taking short cuts and you’re always looking back
But though you’re running barefoot chasing dreams down dead end streets
You remember what your mama said about the way to make ends meet
Chorus:
You gotta make it, mend it, wear it out, make it do or do without (x2)
Now when my old man learned his trade they made things that would last
They would temper future vision with a knowledge of the past
If something broke or wore out, well you know they’d feel no shame
For they took pride in using skills to make it good again
Now the watchword is disposable and plastics rule the day
And if something now gets broken, you can only throw it away
But when the wells all dry up and the mines are all worked out
Well you’ll see this house start falling, hear the poor and hungry shout
Now politicians tell you they’re both green and left or right
They can see the problem clearly, they can understand our plight
But if greed’s the only motive, a chance for all to fill their purse
How can things expand forever, you know that bubble’s got to burstÂ