Arthur was born just a plain simple man

In a plain simple working class position

Though the world was hard and its ways were set

He was young and he had so much ambition

All the way he was overtaken

By the people who make the big decisions

But he tried and he tried for a better life

And a way to improve his own condition

If only life were easy it would be such fun

Things would be more equal and be plenty for everyone

Arthur the world's gone and passed you by

Don't you know it, don't you know it

You can cry, cry all night but it won't make it right

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it



Arthur we know and we sympathize

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Arthur we like you and want to help you

Somebody loves you don't you know it



How is your life and your Shangri-la

And your long lost land of Hallelujah

And your hope and glory has passed you by

Can't you see what the world is doing to ya

And now we see your children

Sailing off in the setting sun

To a new horizon

Where there's plenty for everyone

Arthur, could be

That the world was wrong

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Arthur, could be

You were right all along

Don't ya know it, I hope ya know it

Now we know and we sympathize

We'd like to help you and understand you

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Somebody loves you, don't ya know it

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it



Arthur the world's gone and passed you by

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

You can cry, cry all night

But it won't make it right

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Arthur we read you and understand you

Arthur we like