On the streets of Camberwell, thereâs a drunk whoâs not too well
And as he staggers to the green he thinks heâs being seen
Then he punches at the air, says by Christ this is not fair
Itâs a hard life, itâs a hard life
Then off the 36 jumps a mother with three kids
And as there pulling at her coat she carries a heavy load
Her face is awful lean, sheâs probably just nineteen
Itâs a hard life, itâs a hard life
Itâs a hard life, to bear
The dog man opted out, many years ago
Destined to be great, heâd rather no one knows
A black-end face and his shorts are torn
Like a sailor all forlorn
Itâs a hard life, itâs a hard life
To Chapel Grove they flock
Obedient to the word
The Reverend he is waiting, wanting to be heard
The organâs loud and their standing proud
He tellâs them what heâs learned
Itâs a hard life, itâs a hard life
Itâs a hard life, to bear
And a long road, a long road
Trying to get it right
Itâs a long road, a long road
Hoping for some light
Hoping for some light