John Lee, your headache's growing, the cold wind's blowing But the sea's without a ripple John Lee, your forehead's damp, your muscles cramp And the sea can't use a cripple John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee's been made a freeman, his heart's a seaman But his flesh won't make a sailor Working in a big hotel, waiting for the bell That's ringing for his labour John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, your chances are good, you better touch wood We think things must get better John Lee, you've a friend so true, she wants to help you Miss Keyes has sent a letter John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee "Dear John, come and work at The Glen, just write me when And I'll send someone to meet you" John's gone to where he started from, he's not worked long, just beginning to belong "It hasn't been a very good day, the missus wants to halve my pay Close the door and douse the light, it's quiet at night when he's tucked in tight Sometimes I feel, when they're all in bed, it's almost like the whole world's dead So I lay me down to sleep, I pray thee Lord my soul to keep" John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee John Lee, you're turning around your fate again Oh, John Lee