Seems like only yesterday I left all that behind

No more lousy rat-race, commute or daily grind

I started work from university

At Grimethorpe I was almost 23

A 20-year stint with the NCB

A green nerd

But now work is just a four letter word.

 

But like thousands that I worked with I survived redundancy

So wearing my best suit and tie I sold consultancy

The money and the work kept rolling in

Contract followed contract on the spin

I couldn’t wipe off from my face my grin

It was absurd

But now work is just a four letter word

 

Then I thought it time that I should make a cautious peace with God

Becoming Abbey verger though I’m sure you think that odd

Atoning for my days as Jack the Lad

And though you’ll think that I was barking mad

It was the best job that I ever had

Quite superb

But now work is just a four letter word.

 

But time and years before my eyes just like the clouds have flown

I draw an ill-earned pension now my days are all my own

I look back now on Mammon with disdain

I would not tread such pointless path again

But simply take each day of sun or rain

Thankful that as yet I’m free of pain

I’ve preferred

To look on work as just a four letter word.