During a period of high unemployment, a young man goes to the union hall to see whether any work is available, a daily ritual that he finds degrading. He deplores his dependence on the “union man” who selects the work crews, probably by seniority.
[Verse 1]
Facing the world ain't easy when there isn't anything going
Standing at the corner waiting watching time go by
Will I go into work today or shall I bide my time
[Chorus]
'Cause when I see that union man walking down the street
He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat
Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine
Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line
[Verse 2]
Now I think of what my mamma told me
She always said that it would never ever work out
But all I want to do is make some money
And bring you home some wine
For I don't want you ever to see me
Standing in that line
[Chorus]
'Cause that union man's got such a hold over me
He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat
Then he walks up to me and the sun begins to shine
Then he walks right past and I know that I've got to get back in the line
[Outro]
Get back, get back
Get right back in the line
Get Back in Line was written by Ray Davies.
Get Back in Line was produced by Ray Davies.
The Kinks released Get Back in Line on Fri Nov 27 1970.