Flatlands - Oysterband

In the middle of the journey, in the middle of the day 
I came to a city and I stopped to ask the way 
What does it matter? Said the people with a sneer 
You can't get there from here 

You may be a gallant runner, you may hobble with the lame 
There are forty crooked hedgerows and they all look just the same 
Traveling gets weary, you get funny in the head 
Stop right here instead 

Well, says I, I was only passing through 
I'd like to stop and rest a while, it's true 
Then I asked them for a job to do 
They gave me life insurance and a straw to chew 

Welcome to the flatlands 
All the maps agree 
Far as the eye can see 
It's level, dead level 
Flatlands: life meanders by 
Chew a straw and watch the grass grow high 

And it's stand we stand together, fall you fall alone 
Authority's a leash of love to bring you safely home 
Fools look out for trouble where foreign breezes blow 
Tell your children so 

They've got to keep things ticking, they must never go on strike 
They'll be standing there till Doomsday with their fingers in the dyke 
There's faith and hope and patience and patience is the best 
Turn your face from the rest 

Well, says I, I'm much obliged to you 
Everywhere I go I'm learning something new 
If I understand your point of view 
You don't believe we're dying our whole life through 

Welcome to the flatlands... 

And if they waste nothing they can keep their little pile 
And if they say nothing they will not be on file 
And if they see nothing no one will see them 
No one will take down their name 

And if they do not panic the pain will vanish soon 
And if they never sing they'll never be out of tune 
And if they are faithful they will get their reward 
And if they are meek they will be spared 

Well, says I, I was only passing through 
I'd better get a move on 'cause the days are few 
Poppies are red, cornflowers b