I'm not afraid of dirt
  But how I fear the things I do
  For lack of honest work
  My family is lost to me
  They could not bear the hurt
  To see the state their boy is in
  For lack of honest work

  I hold no blame for anyone
  'Twas I who did arrange
  To pay my union dues so I'd
  Not have to learn or change
  And when I was replaced, 'twas I
  Who started down the hill
  And drank away my savings 'til
  I couldn't stop myself

  The prophets of a brave new world
  Captains of industry
  Have visions grand and great designs
  But none have room for me
  They see a world where everyone
  Is rich and smart and young
  But if I live to see such things
  Too late for me they come

  I know I'm not the only one
  To fall beneath the wheel
  Such company can not assuage
  The loneliness I feel
  So many are resigned to be
  Society's debris
  But I will be remembered for
  The life life took from me

  For I'm not afraid to bend my back
  I'm not afraid of dirt
  But how I fear the things I do
  For lack of honest work