Lyrics:

(Strummer/Jones)



There's a solitary man crying, 'Hold me.'

It's only because he's a-lonely

If the keeper of time runs slowly

He won't be alive for long!



If he only had time to tell of all of the things he planned

With a card up his sleeve, what would he achieve?

It means nothing!



From the opium den and the barroom gin

And the Belmont chair playing violins

The gambler's face cracks into a grin

As he lays down the king of spades



But the dealer just stares

There's something wrong here, he thinks

The gambler is seized and forced to his knees

And shot dead



He only wanted more time

Away from the darkest door

But his luck it gave in

As the dawn light crept in

And he lay on the floor



From the Hundred Year War to the Crimea

With the lance and the musket and the Roman spear

To all of the men who have stood with no fear

In the service of the King



Before you met your fate be sure you

Did not forsake your lover

May not be around anymore



(Slower)

There's a solitary man crying, 'Hold me.'

It's only because he's a-lonely

If the keeper of time runs slowly

He won't be alive for long