Shipbuilding - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

Is it worth it A new winter coat and shoes for the wife

And a bicycle on the boys birthday

Its just a rumour that was spread around town

By the women and children

Soon well be shipbuilding

Well I ask you

The boy said dad they’re going to take me to task

But I’ll be back by christmas

Its just a rumour that was spread around town

Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed in The result of this shipbuilding

With all the will in the world

Diving for dear life

When we could be diving for pearls

Its just a rumour that was spread around town

A telegram or a picture postcard

Within weeks they’ll be re-opening the shipyards

And notifying the next of kin

Once again

Its all were skilled in We will be shipbuilding

With all the will in the world

Diving for dear life

When we could be diving for pearls