Geordie's Wife
Angelic Upstarts Lyrics

Hey Geordie your brow it's full of cold sweat
Addressing Geordie, who is sweating heavily due to stress and worry.

I see by your face that it's causing distress
Assuming the cause of Geordie's sweat based on his facial expression.

But you may as well sleep 'cause alas it is true
Concluding that there's nothing Geordie can do, so it's best to rest and recharge.

They're closing your yard and there's nothing you can do
Explaining why Geordie is stressed: his workplace is shutting down, leaving him jobless.

So sleep bonny lad don't you worry for me
Comforting Geordie, telling him not to worry about her (his wife).

I'm always beside you whenever need be
Reassuring Geordie that he can always count on his wife's support and presence.

I know we've no money and no future to see
Acknowledging the dire financial situation they're in and the uncertainty of their future.

But we'll work out something just wait and see
Optimistically hoping that they'll find a solution to their problems in time.

I've looked down the river
Describing what the wife has seen when she looked towards the river.

And it's empty not dry
Clarifying that the river is not dry, but empty of boats and activity.

The tide it is turning
Metaphorically referring to the changing times and the decline of the local industry.

And there's no rescue nigh
Implying that there's no immediate help or solution in sight.

The ships are still sailing
Observing that ships are still moving, but not in the direction of the local yard anymore.

But they drift on down by
Noting that these ships are not stopping or docking near them anymore.

And my hands stand idle
Confessing to being unemployed and having nothing to do.

Don't you think it's a crime
Expressing frustration and anger at the unfairness of the situation they're in.

Who's gonna employ you
Rhetorical question about the lack of job opportunities for people their age.

At forty and three
Mentioning their age and how it affects their employability and future prospects.

When there's choice of the young'uns
Noting that employers tend to favor younger and cheaper workers over them.

And soon just like me
Drawing a parallel between themselves and other unemployed people who are in the same situation.

All standing in queues with their hands outstretched
Painting a vivid picture of job seekers waiting in line, hoping for a chance at employment.

Asking for work but that's not what you get
Pointing out the frustration of wanting to work but not being given any opportunities.

Now look at the young'uns
Turning attention to younger people and how they have different experiences and expectations.

They know the road well
Observing that younger generations are more familiar with modern life and technology.

But don't know the difference between heaven and hell
Implying that despite their knowledge, younger people are naive and lack experience or wisdom.

No diplomas or scholars degree
Noting that education doesn't guarantee employment or success, especially in their region.

Just thrown on the heap
Suggesting that young people are often dismissed or discarded without much consideration.

Like at forty and three
Comparing the experiences of young people to their own and highlighting the generational divide.

Will you go down the south where there's work and there's pay
Considering the option of moving to a different part of the country where there are more job opportunities, but at a cost.

But a family apart it won't work out that way
Acknowledging that the decision to move would come with consequences and affect their family life.

Don't go away my big bonny lad
Expressing emotional attachment and urging Geordie to stay with his family during these tough times.

Stay here and fight them, we'll do all that we can
Encouraging Geordie to be resilient and not give up, while promising to support and help him in any way possible.