Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy's birthday
It's just a rumour that was spread around town By the women and children Soon we'll 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"
It's 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
It's just a rumour that was spread around town A telegram or a picture-postcard Within weeks they'll be re-opening the shipyard And notifying the next of kin - once again
It's all we're skilled in We will be shipbuilding
With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls