Lyrics Shipbuilding - June Tabor

Is it worth it
A new winter coat and shoes for the wife
And a bicycle on the boy's birthday?

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
By the women and children
Soon we'll be shipbuilding

Well, I ask you, the boy said
"Dad, they're going to take me to task but I'll be back by Christmas"

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
Somebody said that someone got filled in
For saying that people get killed in the result of this shipbuilding

With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life when we could be diving for pearls

It's just a rumor that was spread around town
A telegram or a picture postcard
Within weeks they'll be re-opening the shipyards
And notifying the next of kin once again
It's all we're skilled in, we will be shipbuilding

With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life when we could be diving for pearls