IDLE TIME – Jez Lowe (Lowe Life Music)
This is idle time, and what could be better
Than a Reilly’s life, to live as you please,
And a bright fine day, no matter the weather,
Time to take some time as you please.
But the bad lads know there’s bound to be trouble,
And the good boys wish they’d dare to join in,
And the girls take time for a kiss and a cuddle,
And taking what you’re given’s no sin.
It’s idle time, we’re back up on the level,
Idle time, time for me and you,
Idle time, you’d better hand it to the devil,
And hope he’ll find some work for you to do.
The walls came down without fanfare or trumpet,
The wind blew corkscrew sharp through my coat,
They left us here to like it or lump it,
I was choking on the lump in my throat.
And the rent man he’s this town’s only worker,
And his youngest girl is my heart’s only joy,
But her dad says keep your hands off my daughter,
Until you find some gainful employ.
We are the cost they willed and weighed,
We are the price that they have paid,
We are the sacrifice that dare not speak its name.
This is idle time, and what could be better,
No snarling suit telling me what to do,
But this idle time is lasting forever,
How long before the cracks will show through.