on the sandspit

it never seems to happen when we desire
life catches us out from the very start
we're caught between the water and the fire

our wishes are always to go much higher
we always want to take the central part
it never seems to happen when we desire

the leaders always preach just to the choir
with words purchased wholesale in the mart
we're caught between the water and the fire

our souls are trapped in a great growing mire
there's not a thing we're given to impart
it never seems to happen when we desire

we've driven our cattle right up to the byre
with rods and goads we swiftly make them smart
we're caught between the water and the fire

no one who listens has caught out the liar
their tale is rotten to the very heart
it never seems to happen when we desire
we're caught between the water and the fire