[Verse 1]
Well the cook was a crook and the manager a miser
Both were shirkers, both were skirters, both were bad workers and skivers
And the butties were disgusting and the soup was getting thinner
And all we got for breakfast each was half a soggy kipper
And the sheets weren't changed and the smell was something funny
When we worked overtime the buggers took half of our money
I was a proud young working lad but treated like a convict
Feeling bold, fifteen years old, I wasn't going to stand it

[Refrain]
We were waiting for a better day

[Verse 2]
Now in the north we were poor but we were poor together
But when you see the lights of London then you know you should have better
So when queueing for our bait boxes one cold and rainy morning
I said 'stuff your bloody butties for they always taste apalling!'
The cook ran amuck and flung himself towards me
He was cursing, he was swearing, every dirty name he called me
Though I didn't know what striking was and I was no abetter
I said 'I'll not go to work today till things round here are better!'

[Refrain]
We were waiting for a better day, boys
Waiting for a better day
[Verse 3]
So all us lads filed out the door and though the ground was sodden
For three long nights we all slept rough up out on Wandsworth Common
Till our pockets all were empty and they thought that we would give in
But we held our nerve and our reserve and fought for our living
Now on Trinity Road, there was a little café
Where the busmen went for their tea and toast and coffee
And when they'd heard our story with us they were really taken
They yelled 'Give all these lads tea and toast and give 'em egg and bacon!'

[Refrain]
We were waiting for a better day, boys
Waiting for a better day

[Verse 4]
They asked us lots of questions and they heard each of our stories
They got all our facts and figures straight and laid the case before me
Then the police came arrested me - the trouble it was starting
But the lads ran to the caf'e and the busmen came a-marching
And the busmen spoke with splendid oratory
While the manager and cook each told a different story
It was plain as rain they were a pair of rotten scammers
They were sacked outright without a fight and now they're in the slammer

[Refrain]
We were waiting for a better day, boys
Waiting for a better day
[Verse 5]
As the manager was hauled away he snarled and pointed at me
He said 'There's the bloody Bolshevik, there's the rotten commie!'
Now I'd never heard of either word so I just stood there smirking
Gave a sigh and went inside just glad that I was working
And to thank those busmen us lads were all contriving
We bought them each a tie all bright and red and shining
Now I did not know politics a leader I was not it
But now I knew what union meant and I never forgot it

[Outro]
We were waiting for a better day, boys
Waiting for a better day
Waiting for a better day at the YMCA