don't ask me why, don't ask me why

I'll join the army, the Salvation Army

but it didn't help



don't ask me why, but don't ask me why

I joined the army, but it drove me barmy

and it didn't help



hideous towns made me throw up



don't ask me why, don't ask me why

I went into service with the Civil Service

but it didn't help



don't ask me why, [yet] don't ask me why

I went into service but it made me nervous

and it didn't help



ooh, hideous towns made me throw up



and sticks and stones may break my bones

but words will just finish me off

you're near enough



[oh-ho], my [hopeless/helpless] youth [it's/just] so [unclean/uncouth]

[as that oh], I'd, I'd like to be in history

I said [I'll get] my, that [hopeless/helpless] youth just so [unclean/uncouth]

so there you go, and now you know

but just please don't



don't ask me why, don't ask me why

I went to the circus, Piccadilly Circus

it was very strange



don't ask me why, 'cause I don't know why

never one to roam, we took the first bus home

and I haven't changed



ooh, hideous towns made me throw up



and I know sticks and stones may break my bones

but words will just finish me off

you're near enough



yes they do

said oh, my [hopeless/helpless] youth [they're/it's] so [unclean/uncouth]

said oh, and I'd, I'd like to be in history

said [I'll get] my

that [hopeless/helpless] youth [is/was] just so [unclean/uncouth]

so there you go, and now you know

but just please don't



please, please, please, said [I'll get] my

that [hopeless/helpless] youth just so [then/down]

[oh-ho], [you know/yeah my] [hopeless/helpless] youth

it's really very young

[just/she's] really very young