Call it new technology
And they use it to burn
And they show no concern

Work for their prosperity
While the big wheels turn
Now it's too late to learn


Don't upset the teacher
Though we know he lied to you

Don't upset the preacher
He's gonna close his eyes for you


And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting

In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream

Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream


Father worked in industry
Now the work has moved on
And the factory's gone

See them sell your history
Where once you were strong
And you used to belong


There was once a future
For a working man

There was once a lifetime
For a skillful hand yesterday


And it's a shame
That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting

In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream

Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream


Don't upset the teacher
Though we know he lied to you
Don't upset the preacher

He's gonna close his eyes for you

And it's a shame

That you're so afraid
Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain

Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream


Tempers fray so easily
In desperate despair is there anyone who cares?
Just another tragedy

Just a personal affair in a room somewhere

There was once a future

For a working man
There was once a lifetime
For a skillful hand yesterday


And it's a shame
That you're so afraid

Just a worker waiting
In the pouring rain
Putting back the pieces

Of a broken dream
Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream

Putting back the pieces
Of a broken dream
Of a broken, of a broken dream