Jack Shit George

Ian Dury And The Blockheads

What did you learn at school today?

Jack shit

The minute the teacher turns away

That's it

How many times were you truly intrigued?

Not any

Is boredom a symptom of mental fatigue?

Not many

When have you ever been top of the class?

Not once

What will you do when you're out on your arse?

A dunce

What are your prospects of doing quite well?

Too small

And what will you have at the very last Bell?

Fuck all



You can't bear another's beauty, you can't emulate a grace

You can't filch another's mystery, occupy another's space

You can't do another's duty, or take a special place

In another person's history when they've sunk without a trace



What's the reward for being a berk?

A blank

Thick as a plank and looking for work

What a wank

What do you think of the Welfare State?

It's a fake

What have they handed you on a plate?

The ache

Have you considered how lucky you are?

Well shucks

What do you think of the system so far?

It sucks

Aren't you endowed with the patience of Job?

I wish

Don't you feel ready to conquer the globe?

Oh fish



You can't steal another's thunder, you can't fill a great divide

You can't steer another's fancy, you can't change another's side

Not undo another's blunder nor pretend another's pride

You can't offer necromancy till the final hope has died



I'm a second-class person citizen-wise,

This is something I must recognise

It's not my place to make complaint,

But am I happy? No, I ain't

I missed my chance when I was young,

Now I live below the bottom rung

I was put on earth to discover my niche;

Oh Lord, won't you make me Nouveau Riche?