[Verse 1]

Between now and quitting time

Between then and 6 a.m.​

Catch me climbing out of a deep, deep pit

Hanging on by a thread

That could be cut in an instant

Folks come around and lower buckets


[Chorus]

What can a poor kid do to keep busy?

Because I still need to love this little world

I didn't realize I was hanging out with Mr. Chill

You be real with me and I'll be real with you


[Verse 2]

I've been picking up heavy things

And putting them down

Relying on the kindness of strangers

Heading out to the bountiful fields

And coming back empty-handed

Back at my place, you'll find a room full of buckets


[Chorus]

What can a poor kid do to keep busy?

Because I still need to love this little world


[Outro]

I can tell you're stuck

I can't tell anyonе else

'Cause you don't thrеaten to help

I can tell you're stuck

I can't tell anyone else

'Cause you don't threaten to help