Al Stewart

Life and life only

Al Stewart


Mr. Willoughby, whose only luxury is the sugar in his tea 
Teaches history at High Worthington School 
His clothing has remained unnoticeably plain 
His common room technique suitably restrained, though maybe too cool 
Work done in the summery sun, see the cricket ball fly 
Intently, like a strange demented bird towards the sun 
Considering its flight, he pauses for a while 
Ah, but Mr. Willoughby, we've never seen you smile 
Tell me how come? 
Ah well, sometimes it must get lonely 
Ah, but it's life and life only 

"Maurice," said Renee, "Why didn't you say that you'd be so late 
The supper that I made is ruined again. 
Is there anything you'd like?". "No, nothing", he replied 
Standing by the stairs, not looking in her eyes, so stupidly male 
All dark and lying in bed, "You've been with her again" 
She blurts out, then turning on her side begins to cry. 
At first he doesn't stir but then mumbling his words 
He reaches for her hand, she shivers, but doesn't take it away 
Ah, for sometimes it does get lonely 
Ah, but it's life and life only. 

Oh Smithy Smithers-Bell; clerk from Clerkenwell on the beach at 
Bournemouth thinks he very well may be next year in France 
Inspired for a while, he decides to risk a smile at Mr. Willoughby 
Who passes, polishing his glasses, studiously averting his glance 
Renee, several deckchairs away, wonders if they would be better 
While Maurice is with the kids out in the sea 
And I was feeling small, sitting on the wall 
Looking at them all and wondering who will I be? 
Ah, but sometimes it does get lonely 
Ah, but it's life and life only 

Ah, but it's life and life only 
Ah, but it's life and life only 
Ah, but it's life and life ...