Facing the world ain't easy when there isn't anything going 
Standing at the corner waiting watching time go by 
Will I go to work today or shall I bide my time 
'Cos when I see that union man walking down the street 

He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat 
Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine 
Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line 
Now I think of what my mamma told me 

She always said that it would never ever work out 
But all I want to do is make some money 
And bring you home some wine 
For I don't ever want you to see me 
Standing in that line 

'Cause that union man's got such a hold over me 
He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat 
Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine 
Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line