Well, here's your news report

I'm your straight face for today

And I'm sorry if it's short

But I have to get away

And be sick



Well, first the powers that be

Line their pockets with your bread

And it ain't too hard to see

That you're worth more to them dead

Don't you know the taxman

Mourns you to the nearest bank



Your news report

Your news report

And it's short, short, short



Get off my brother



I want to know why people die

Because they've been forgotten

It's your callin' fallin'

And if you're young, son, you're the one

To lead us into Hades

And if you're shot down, then you're called brave

As they shove you in your grave

And nothing is saved



Well, while you're getting fat

Wiping gravy from your sleeve

There's a child who's like a rat

Tryin' to beg for what you leave

Ah, but you won't be deceived by what you fear



Your news report

Your news report

And it's short, short, short