Paper, iron, won't buy Eden 
working for paper and for iron 
work for the right to keep my tie on 
working for paper and for iron 
work for the unicorn and lion 
 
I pray the kids aren't starving 
no chicken for the Sunday carving 
I'll stay for one more farthing 
 
I take home my notes and coins every week 
I'm told I'm worth much more 
but the Church says turn the other cheek 
the other cheek 
paper, iron, won't buy Eden. 
 
I know the family needs me 
can't moan, the factory feeds me 
won't bite the hand that bleeds me 
 
I take home my notes and coins every week 
I'll inherit the earth I'm told 
but the Church says to remain this meek 
remain this meek 
I'm still a proud man. 
Won't show anybody else my wage 
a blend in the crowd man 
is this anybody's golden age 
is this anybody's golden age 
is this anybody's golden age 
or am I dreaming of a golden cage 
 
La la lo it's paper 
la la lo it's iron 
la la lo just paper 
la la lo just iron