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In Real Terms

©John Drakes 2024

 

“Homelessness should not exist in a caring society. This song was written for Paul, an old man who sleeps in a supermarket doorway.”

 

In this city of nightmares and dreams

He’s looking at the news on a TV screen

And stares into a world beyond his means

​

His old grey coat lets in the snow

But the newsman said “Inflation’s low

And you’re better off in real terms

You’re better off in real terms
Don’t you know"

​

CHORUS:
But in real terms he’s hungry

And in real terms he feels the cold

In real terms he’s so angry

No one wants his story to be told

​

A haunted face in the window pane

A bitter wind that bears his name

And every day is just the same

​

Night comes down, it’s time to go

He shivers and it’s five below

But “you’re better off in real terms

You’re better off in real terms
Don’t you know”

​

CHORUS:
But in real terms he’s hungry

And in real terms he feels the cold

In real terms he’s so angry

No one wants his story to be told

​

He stumbles down the street alone

To the doorway he calls his home

And a waiting bed of paving stones

​

Somewhere he hears a radio

The news is good, “Inflation’s low

And you’re better off in real terms

You’re better off in real terms
Don’t you know”

​​

CHORUS:
But in real terms he’s hungry

And in real terms he feels the cold

In real terms he’s so angry

No one wants his story to be told

​

No one gives a damn or a care

Surrounded by misery, trapped by despair

He turns his eyes from those who stare

​

He’s under a paper covered in snow

But the headlines read “Inflation’s low

And you’re better off in real terms

You’re better off in real terms
Don’t you know”

​

CHORUS:
But in real terms he’s hungry

And in real terms he feels the cold

In real terms he’s so angry

No one wants his story to be told

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