Lyrics:

1967
Performer Keith West
Title Excerpt from a teenage opera
Lyrictext

Count the days into years
His eighty two brings many fears
Yesterday's laughter turned to tears

His arms and legs don't feel so strong
His heart is weak, there's something wrong
Opens windows in despair
Tries to breathe in some fresh air

His conscience cries: 'Get on your feet
Without you, Jack, the town can't eat!'

Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, get off your back
Go into town don't let them down, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, get off your back
Go into own, don't let them down, oh no, no

The people that live in the town
Don't understand
He's never been known to miss his round

'It's ten-o'clock!', the housewives yell
'When Jack turns up we'll 'give him hell!'
Husbands moan at breakfast tables
No milk, no eggs, no marmalade labels

Mothers send their children out
To Jack's house to scream and shout

Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, get off your back
Go into town don't let them down, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, get off your back
Go into own, don't let them down, oh no, no

A Sunday morning bright and clear
Lovely flowers decorate the marvellous square

People cry and walk away
And think about the fateful day
Now they wish they'd given Jack
More affection and respect

Little children dressed in black
Don't know what happened to old Jack

Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, is it true what mummy says
You won't come back, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, is it true what mummy says
You won't come back, oh no, no

Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, is it true what mummy says
You won't come back, oh no, no
Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, is it true what mummy says
You won't come back, oh no, no

Grocer Jack, grocer Jack, is it true what mummy says
You won't come back, oh no, no