Excerpt from a Teenage Opera

[Verse 1]
Counts the days into years
Yes, eighty-two brings many fears
Yesterday's laughter turned to tears
His arms and legs don't feel so strong
His heart is weak, there's something wrong
Opens windows in despair
Tries to breathe in some fresh air
His conscience cries, "Get on your feet
Without you, Jack, the town can't eat"

[Chorus]
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Get off your back, go into town
Don't let them down, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Get off your back, go into town
Don't let them down, oh no, no

[Verse 2]
The people that live in the town don't understand
He's never been known to miss his round
"It's ten-o'clock!" the housewives yell
"When Jack turns up, we'll give him hell"
Husbands moan at breakfast tables
No milk, no eggs, no marmalade labels
Mothers send their children out
To Jack's house to scream and shout

[Chorus]
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Get off your back, come into town
Don't let us down, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Get off your back, come into town
Don't let us down, oh no, no

[Verse 3]
It's Sunday morning, bright and clear
Lovely flowers decorate a marvelous square
People cry and walk away
And think about the fateful day
Now they wish they'd given Jack
More affection and respect
The little children dressed in black
Don't know what's happened to old Jack

[Chorus]
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Is it true, what mummy says?
You won't come back? Oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Is it true, what mummy says?
You won't come back? Oh no, no

[Chorus]
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Is it true, what mummy says?
You won't come back? Oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Is it true, what mummy says?
You won't come back? Oh no, no
Grocer Jack, Grocer Jack
Is it true, what mummy says?
You won't come back? Oh no, no