[Verse 1]
Michael has just turned 21 and he’s dreading getting on the bus
His body feels like one big exposed nerve
He is observant so he feels like he’s being observed
And he knows it’s absurd
He thought by now he would have grown up
And grown out of this
Yet he persists
To bite his lip
And focus his attention on the middle distance
[Chorus]
Michael hopes when he’s old and grey
He’ll finally feel less afraid
When faced with tasks which
Most take for granted
Michael hopes he’ll feel less afraid
When he’s old and grey
[Verse 2]
Michael has just turned 32 and he’s still dreading his commute
He concertinas and contorts his limbs onto the tube
He tries his best to be courteous, not cause offence, or come across as rude
Yet he can shake
The feeling that he’s taking up too much space
So he sets his gaze
On the middle distance
And tries his best not to listen to the sniggers and the whispers
[Chorus]
Michael is waiting for the day
When all his fears will melt away
Then he can start living
Free of these misgivings
Michael hopes he’ll feel less afraid
When he’s old and grey