While some sore heads will rue last night's endeavours
Make Sunday's vow that they won't get so leathered
Dad's shout at lads so they foul number seven
There's no need for fighting; they're only eleven
Mmm, a little introduction to the state of things
What of the woman, who stands by her fella,
Despite the bruises brought on by the Stella
To cook and to clothe and to clean and to screw
Ain't the sum total of all she can do
What of the woman who waits with the feeling
Of black holes and lost nights and strange looking ceilings
Haze around half nine, remember she thinks
Bloke in a red shirt with drops in the drink
Mmm, teaching and telling "˜bout the state of things
Mmm, never taught you at school about the state of things
Look down, just look down; you're too scared to turn "˜round
Says he's gonna get you with all of his mates
Heartbeat, your heart beats; he says that you're dead meat
The bully waits for you outside the school gates
Making you aware of the state of things
A little introduction to the state of things
I'm making to sing about the state of things
They never taught you at school about the state of things
And what of the woman who's there in the station
Whose White Lightning refuge is inebriation
Some wench on park bench contrasts with your cash
She's not gonna kill ya, or give you a rash
Making you aware of the state of things
A little introduction to the state of things
I'm making to sing about the state of things
They never taught you at school about the state of things
I'm telling you straight about the state of things
1-9-8-4 state of things
Cuts me wide open, the state of things
I am the reverend, I'll tell you "˜bout the state of things