Labi Siffre - Not So Long Ago

Not so long ago there was a man I knew quite well
He didn't do much well he didn't think so
Working nearly every day and sleeping every night
A little sighing, a little laughing

Four days out of five he'd hurry home the quickest way
He didn't need much, well he didn't think so
Then at home he'd say hello and kiss the wife and kids
They were glad to see him
He was glad to be him

Fridays after work he'd wander home a different way
He didn't think much, well he didn't think so
Sitting by the riverside he'd feed the ducks and swans
A little pleasure, a little leisure

Not so long ago some kids who should have been at home
were throwing pebbles, down by the river
Seeing someone fast asleep, they thought they'd have
some fun - a good old shake-up
He didn't wake up