Tommy's a confirmed alcoholic

His usual social worker is Jane

In the old detoxification centre

Her efforts help ease the pain

 

His life has been a shambles

Job and flat gone, depressed,

Jane strives to fix the mess

Do for Tommy what's best

 

Discharged from detox, he's

Moved away from the edge

Jane's secured him a bed-sit

Got him to take the pledge

 

Her case-load is increasing

The manager on her back

If she takes more days off

She'll be getting the sack

 

On returning from holiday

There's no time to lose

She goes to see Tommy

He's back on the booze

 

Empty cans on the carpet

He's in a soiled string vest

Head cut, she rings detox

Going back in seems best

 

That night Jane weeps into

Six bottles of barley wine

Even then she feels sober

Sometimes she needs nine

 

A call, Tommy's been burgled

She must fix a change of locks

She just can't cope anymore

She needs a spell in detox