not simple questions these

to what old fallacy will we now fall
our minds half-broken by the daily task
we can no longer answer history's call
to what old fallacy will we now fall

a sort of answer must pervade the all
truth does not hide behind an actor's mask
to what old fallacy will we now fall
our minds half-broken by the daily task

we bear a promise that we did not ask
our hearts grow heavier with fading day
wine dribbles out from the half-empty flask
we bear a promise that we did not ask

we'd trap the spirit back within its cask
and let the end of light our tired hopes slay
we bear a promise that we did not ask
our hearts grow heavier with fading day

let others waste their lives for little pay
a mission that is asked for seems so rare
the sun will set on this forgotten bay
let others waste their lives for little pay

we don't expect to flee the noble ray
but all we've learned is how to run and fear
let others waste their lives for little pay
a mission that is asked for seems so rare

we'll shave the truth down and let pare
life down to those things we most lack
we'll let life criticise the whole affair
we'll shave the truth down and let pare

the ones who answer never seem to care
they're just concerned about staying on track
we'll shave the truth down and let pare
life down to those things we most lack

if we reply will history answer back
or must we stay in place and wait in vain
the story's told by some benighted hack
if we reply will history answer back

it doesn't take too much for hearts to crack
we wait and wait and do not see the rain
if we reply will history answer back
or must we stay in place and wait in vain

no sort of explanation makes things plain
green is the colour that most masks desire
we have some hope of honour and of gain
no sort of explanation makes things plain

if we could undertake to stand the strain
we'd let matters come right down to the wire
no sort of explanation makes things plain
green is the colour that most masks desire

you won't despair if we don't light the fire
a host of worries rises with each thought
we praise the calm and will eschew the ire
you won't despair if we don't light the fire

the greatest maker is the finest liar
the greatest gap comes between is and ought
you won't despair if we don't light the fire
a host of worries rises with each thought

the signal comes to one who has been bought
he'll set the blaze and kill those who stand tall
we'll soon find out what our great gifts have wrought
the signal comes to one who has been bought

the greatest battles have yet to be fought
our hero's never yet been on the ball
the signal comes to one who has been bought
he'll set the blaze and kill those who stand tall

our lives and times the future must appal
in a false sunlight we all seem to bask
we run when we as yet can scarcely crawl
our lives and times the future must appal

so when we stop and sing and shout and bawl
we're all afraid of what we might unmask
our lives and times the future must appall
in a false sunlight we all seem to bask