A Sign Of The Times

(Mike Sparks)

A sign of the times, a sign of the times
It's just a sign of the times
When problems occur and things aren't what they were
It's just a sign of the times

When granny would knit our best winter kit
And black plimsolls were favourite lines
Now they fall into the trap laid by Nike or Gap
And it's just a sign of the times

We'd play in the street with others we'd meet
Skipping or nursery rhymes
Now they sit in the gloom and play temple of doom
And it's just a sign of the times

And old cricket stump chalked on the wall
A plank for a bat would be fine
Now they shout and they spit if they can't have the kit
And that's just a sign of the times

We'd use cycle or bus without any fuss
We'd walk to the school, and on time
Now they wont go too far unless in the car
And that's just a sign of the times

And holiday times, a week at the coast
Caravans stood in a line
Now it's not only Spain but Cancun or Bahrain
And that's just a sign of the times

Are kids happier now, I somehow don't think so
But I'm old with ideas out of line
But a childhood that's lost is too higher cost
To pay for these signs of the times

© 2003 Mike Sparks