Afghan/forklift Lyrics - Stan Ridgway

Ringin' on the telephone, pick it up and say 

What's a man to do with all the trouble 'round today? 

Heard it takes a worried man to sing a worried song 

Sing it now, but Lord, don't let it all go on too long 

Chorus: 

Somethin' in the air, and it's movin' like a southbound train 

Sun is goin' down, and it seems like I'll be the same 

World keeps spinnin' 'round, people say there's debt to pay 

I don't knowtoo busy with my life from day to day 

But whosoever journeys up against that border line 

The shadows of an ancient flame burn away in time 

I was down in Arkansas, workin' graveyard shift 

Movin' crates for exportation with a big forklift 

Most were crackers, Coca-Cola, shoes and ceiling fans 

Two were marked Top Secret, headed for Afghanistan 

Chorus repeat 

See shadows on the sun, see a comin' thundercloud 

Nothin' will persuade, but all will be allowed 

And some will seek their god from a heaven in the sky 

Defendin' their affliction with a holy alibi 

Ringin' on the telephone, pick it up and say 

What's a man to do with all the trouble 'round today? 

I'm callin' up the president, ask him what he say 

No answer, left a message, when he's back from holiday 

Chorus repeat 

Now the drums are poundin', hear them blowin' on the horn 

Two hands are on the hammer, and the fabric has been torn 

Dam's about to burst, floods are all around 

No more water, little Sylvie, 'cause I think I'm gonna drown 

Ringin' on the telephone, pick it up and say 

What's a man to do with all the trouble 'round today? 

Heard it takes a worried man to sing a worried song 

Sing it now, but Lord, don't make it all go on too long 

All go on too long