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this is a place where bluebirds guard their nest
so much we know about this summer's height
a holiday is when we get no rest

at length we learn the meaning of this test
the clouds arrive to cut down the sun's bite
this is a place where bluebirds guard their nest

my task to see if youth has done its best
and words have been set down in order right
a holiday is when we get no rest

in duty and in work i acquiesced
the meaning of the signs is in the light
this is a place where bluebirds guard their nest

we have to play our cards close to the vest
assume that each of us is in this plight
a holiday is when we get no rest

day after day we have to produce zest
and say that what we do makes each life bright
this is a place where bluebirds guard their nest
a holiday is when we get no rest

sound the trumpet

we work for silver and betray for gold
these are the facts that define humankind
not one of us who is not bought or sold

this story has so many times been told
we know so well how we got in this bind
we work for silver and betray for gold

the lamb feels safe within the winter fold
the springtime slaughter is far from its mind
not one of us who is not bought or sold

we aren't surprised to find our fellows cold
at sight of human pain we turn quite blind
we work for silver and betray for gold

the honest one is the first one who's rolled
into the gutter and to hell consigned
not one of us who is not bought or sold

so thief and villain are the most extolled
while decency and honour are maligned
we work for silver and betray for gold
not one of us who is not bought or sold