I see fences where there was no fence before Flesh-tearing wire hasn't even rusted 'round the door Oh aye, the beauty that I could show to you Outside in the distance I hear something coming through Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through.
(chorus) And outside in the distance where those searchlights don't go There's an immigrant who's crouching with the bundle of his clothes The bushes start a-rustling, so he takes to his toes Just singing "This is the last of my shows..."
Here, beyond the wire, you turn the water black The men around you paid a weekly wage, just to turn you back Oh how they keep their petty kingdoms well in view Outside in the distance I hear something coming through Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through.
CHORUS
A crossroads is no crossroads when there's but one route to take Your fantasy of liberty is a red sign on the gate I think these thoughts as I walk along a tree-lined avenue Outside in the distance I hear something coming through Oh I said, outside in the distance there is something coming through.