Arthur was born just a plain simple man
In a plain simple working class position
Though the world was hard and its ways were set
He was young and he had so much ambition

All the way he was overtaken
By the people who make the big decisions
But he tried and he tried for a better life
And a way to improve his own condition

If only life were easy it would be such fun
Things would be more equal and be plenty for everyone

Arthur the world's gone and passed you by
Don't you know it, don't you know it
You can cry, cry all night but it won't make it right
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Arthur we know and we sympathize
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
Arthur we like you and want to help you
Somebody loves you, don't you know it

How is your life and your Shangri-la?
And your long lost land of Hallelujah
And your hope and glory has passed you by
Can't you see what the world is doing to ya
And now we see your children sailing off in the setting sun
To a new horizon where there's plenty for everyone

Arthur, could be that the world was wrong
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
Arthur, could be you were right all along
Don't ya know it, I hope ya know it
Now we know and we sympathize
We'd like to help you and understand you

Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
Somebody loves you, don't ya know it
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it

Arthur the world's gone and passed you by
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
You can cry, cry all night
But it won't make it right
Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
Arthur we read you and understand you
Arthur we like you and want to help you
Oh, we love you and want to help you