Going to work on the early train

Suck'n blow, cereal stain
going to work, eat my brain,
galloping rhythm, repetitive strain,
bass line tuned to the early train.
Got a job, mustn't complain
find a seat on the early train,
repetitive strain, repetitive strain,
no no no, I'm not insane.

Barbara Gordon, Lois Lane,
recurring dream can't explain,
sudden derailment, low flying plane,
nightmare on the early train.
Through the window in the rain,
washed away down the drain,
hear no evil feel no pain,
in the dark on the early train.

Energy drink, bean and cane,
ear phones in with disdain.
Little to lose nothing to gain
always the same, repetitive strain.
Wheels go 'round again 'n again,
every morning it's the same,
every day struggle in vain,
cold steel track, repetitive strain.

Going to work once again
repetitive strain, repetitive strain,
what's my number? what's my name?
No escape from the early train.
Heard the economy's on the wane,
weakest link breaks the chain
can't speak up, must refrain
repetitive strain, repetitive strain.


Capability Red       2013

Peter Believes

Peter believes that Bow Bells sound
it's ten to six, so he must rise,
born in the fifties, a problem child,
he wipes yesterdays dreams out of his mince pies.

And Peter believes there's a peaceful solution
to the abundance of violence thriving today,
he feels so loyal, so totally confused,
at times he just doesn't know what to say.

At the yard he is cordially greeted,
'morning friends' and so to the bench,
his favorite circular saw is humming
how could he say that life is a wrench?

Peter believes that a woman exists
and he will sweep her off her feet,
every day Old Ford is the same,
do we accept the blame, or do we try to cheat?

Peter believes for every drop of rain that falls:
 Someone gets wet!
And Peter believes one day the government will fall.
But it hasn't happened yet.

Oh Peter believes. Yes, Peter believes.



Capability Red     aprox'   1980

Figure of Ridicule

Explosive in those up to the minute Janus Stark styles,
if I was better mannered, I'd acknowledge your fiendish smile.
We know your Father is a member of the mackintosh society,
don't thank him for your reputation, your notoriety.
You are a figure of ridicule.

Your derogatory comments always fail to impress,
and I wouldn't describe you as a picture of happiness.
That shell fish sandwich may just taste confusing,
in my eyes you remain perpetually amusing.
You are a figure of ridicule.



Capability Red   aprox'  1978

Tales From The Broken Harp

I know all the tales they tell in the Broken Harp,
the subversive literature they sometimes sell in the Broken Harp.
Reports of stone age men,
seen in Canning Town
all the Rathbone Market boys
puttin' the word around:

"W e know all the tales they tell in the Broken Harp
We are noted boys as well in the Broken Harp".

They said Eric was planted,
wasn't that a crime?
he used to be a docker
now he's doing time.
I know all the tales they tell in the Broken Harp.
In my dreams it's always dark in the Broken Harp.



Capability Red    1979

Variations on a Theme of Enforced Idleness

The sacred emblem is all she's got left,
listening out; who's gonna be next.
Creeping hours bring burning despair.
Is there anyone there?

Radio phone-ins heighten the tension,
a phone bill that hurts too much to mention.
At times she just doesn't care.
Is there anyone there?

Friendly faces, friendly advice,
people don't know, but, they know how to be nice.
This world just isn't fair.
Is there anyone there?

Mid afternoon, she's got to get out,
 saunter downtown, confirming her doubts.
It's devastation everywhere.
Is there anyone there?



Capability Red            1982