the water is black the coast was clear

now they're sweating dollars dripping fear

what a way to end the fiscal year

mopping up the dirty pool

mopping up the dirty pool



they've given us a new career

it's the make work project of theyear

oh dear god bless the volunteer

mopping up the dirty pool

mopping up the dirty pool



your way can't stay

your way cant stay won't stay can't stay

mopping up the dirty pool



this ship of steel is a leaky tin

spilt milk tears run down your chin

this crying shame's a fuckin' sin

mopping up the dirty pool



a rusty tanker's belly a fault somewhere it seems

bled gallons to the ocean and poisoned the marine

the shoreline's tarred and feathered

and the seagulls look like crows

the unofficial explanation

"shit happens don't you know"



your way can't stay

your way cant stay won't stay

can't stay won't stay

mopping up the dirty pool

your way is the wrong way

your way can't stay won't stay can't stay

mopping up the dirty

mopping up the dirty

mopping up the dirty pool