B-side to 'One of Us', December 1981)



He stands towering over me beside my bed

Losing his head

Tells me I must take him seriously

Frowning 'pon the usual way

He's such a clever guy

Then I wonder, should I laugh or cry?



His presence in the striped pyjamas that I bought

Trousers too short

Gives me hours of philosophy

Carries on the way he does

And me I get so tired

And I wonder should I laugh or cry



I don't mind if his banner flies

A fool's pride in his eyes

Standing there on his toes to grow in size

All I see is a big belief

Halfway up to the end

He's wrapped up in the warm and sacred truth

Of an eternal lie

So should I laugh or cry?



Strange how dangerously indifferent I have grown

Cold as a stone

No more pain where there was pain before

Far away he rambles on

I feel my throat go dry

And I wonder, should I laugh or cry?



I don't mind if his banner flies

A fool's pride in his eyes

Standing there on his toes to grow in size

All I see is a big belief

Halfway up to the end

He's wrapped up in the warm and sacred truth

Of an eternal lie

So should I laugh or cry