[Verse 1: Dave Gahan]

Do you ever get that feeling when the guilt begins to hurt?

Seeing all the children wallowing in dirt

Crying out with hunger, crying out in pain

At least the dirt will wash off when it starts to rain

[Pre-Chorus: Martin L. Gore]

Soap won't wash away your shame

[Verse 2: Dave Gahan]

Do you ever get the feeling that something isn't right?

Seeing your brother's fists clenched ready for the fight

Soon the fighting turns to weapons and the weapons turn to wounds

So the doctors stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch

[Pre-Chorus: Martin L. Gore]

Surgery won't improve your pain

[Chorus: Dave Gahan]

It all seems so stupid

It makes me want to give up

But why should I give up

When it all seems so stupid?

[Verse 3: Dave Gahan]

Do you ever get the feeling that something can be done

To eradicate these problems and make the people one?

Do you ever get that feeling, something like a nagging itch?

And all the while the doctors stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch and stitch

[Pre-Chorus: Martin L. Gore]

Hope alone won't remove the stains (Shame)

[Chorus: Dave Gahan]

It all seems so stupid

It makes me want to give up

But why should I give up

When it all seems so stupid?