Every nation in creation has its favourite drink France is famous for its wine, it's beer in Germany Turkey has its coffee and they serve it blacker than ink Russians go for vodka and England loves its tea
Oh, the factories may be roaring With a boom-a-lacka, zoom-a-lacka, wee But there isn't any roar when the clock strikes four Everything stops for tea
Oh, a lawyer in the courtroom In the middle of an alimony plea Has to stop and help 'em pour when the clock strikes four Everything stops for tea
It's a very good English custom Though the weather be cold or hot When you need a little pick-up, you'll find a little tea cup Will always hit the spot
You remember Cleopatra Had a date to meet Mark Anthony at three When he came an hour late she said "You'll have to wait" For everything stops for tea
Oh, they may be playing football And the crowd is yelling "Kill the referee!" But no matter what the score, when the clock strikes four Everything stops for tea
Oh, the golfer may be golfing And is just about to make a hole-in-three But it always gets them sore when the clock yells "four!" Everything stops for tea
It's a very good English custom And a stimulant for the brain When you feel a little weary, a cup'll make you cheery And it's cheaper than champagne
Now I know just why Franz Schubert Didn't finish his unfinished symphony He might have written more but the clock struck four And everything stops for tea