Story Behind The Song
Inspired by a very frustrating visit to Liverpool Passport Office to renew my passport which typified many people's encounters with everyday bureaucracy
Song Description
A funky rock song with some tasty brass parts and a lyric with a tale to tell
| Song Length |
3:44 |
Genre |
Pop - Rock, Rock - Funk |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Stressed, Troubled |
Subject |
Government, Office |
| Similar Artists |
Steve Winwood, Peter Gabriel |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1990 - 1999 |
| |
Lyrics
I went up to the building standing grey and tall
I walked in through the doorway and landed in the hall
A most important person in a uniform and hat
Said I had to fill a form in if I wanted to do that
He wasn't very friendly but he showed me where to go
Down the second corridor on to the floor below
BUREAUCRACY
I had to ring the bell push and I waited patiently
They said there were four people waiting before me
So I took the worn out plastic chair and sat down to one side
I looked out through the window at the dark courtyard outside
When they called my number I went up to the desk
I asked the girl to help me I know my life's a mess
BUREAUCRACY
She didn't really wanna know my life's ups-and-downs
She needed all the answers so she could write them down
She had to fill the form and she didn't take a breath
I told her f*** the forms girl, this is life and death
She looked up from the paper and her face it hardy changed
Even if your'e dying I need to know your name
She said someone could help me in the office at the end
I had to take the elevator down to floor number ten
So ten minutes later I'm at another desk
The girl, the room, the chair, the view all looked like the rest
BUREAUCRACY
She didn't really wanna know my life's ups-and-downs
She needed all the answers so she could write them down
She had to fill the forms and she didn't take a breath
I told her f*** the forms girl, this is life and death
She called the man in uniform to escort me away
Even if your'e dying you can't talk to me that way
I am a public servant and I'm trying to do my best
But I'm working in the system, just like all the rest
I looked into her eyes and I knew that it was true
The way she's looking back at me I know she's dying too from
BUREAUCRACY