Call it new technology
And they use it to burn
And they show no concern
Work for their prosperity
While the big wheels turn
Now it's too late to learn
Don't upset the teacher
Though we know he lied to you
Don't upset the preacher
Gonna close his eyes for you
And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Father worked in industry
Now the work has moved on
And the factories gone
See them sell your history
Where once you were strong
And you used to belong
There was once a future
For a working man
There was once a lifetime
For a skilful hand
Yesterday
Don't upset the teacher
Though we know he lied to you
Don't upset the preacher
Gonna close his eyes for you
Tempers fray so easily
In desperate despair
Is there anyone that cares
Just another tragedy
Just a personal affair
In a room somewhere
There was once a future
For a working man
There was once a lifetime
For a skilful hand
Yesterday