I'm forever struck

by the people in this town

and the way they go about their world

have they given up

all the fun they used to have in adolescent xanadu

everything is too much time and trouble

they must be seen as being respectable

they're too busy with their social climbing

waiting for a rise



Chorus.



Why can't people just be people



when they were young

they would wish for the summer evenings that would never end

now the day's too long

and the key to life is locked away in childhood memories

some people judge a man as reasonable

if the wine he buys is seasonable

they've time for friendship if it's advantageous

and causes no pain



Chorus:



why are people so deceitful

why can't people just be people



there is more to the world

than is offered by the soap and war found on the TV screen

and there is more to this life

if you would only take the time to look within and find the key

don't believe words when they're superficial

don't put your trust in values artificial

let your heart do the talking for a little

and feel yourself shine



Chorus:



why can't people trust in people

why can't people just be people



find the time and you'll realise

life isn't too much time and trouble

(repeat til fade)