Call it new technology
  And they use it to burn
  And they show no concern
  Work for their prosperity
  While the big wheels turn
  Now it's too late to learn
  Don't upset the teacher
  Though we know he lied to you
  Don't upset the preacher
  Gonna close his eyes for you
  And it's a shame
  That you're so afraid
  Just a worker waiting
  In the pouring rain
  Putting back the pieces
  Of a broken dream
  Father worked in industry
  Now the work has moved on
  And the factories gone
  See them sell your history
  Where once you were strong
  And you used to belong
  There was once a future
  For a working man
  There was once a lifetime
  For a skillful hand
  Yesterday
  Don't upset the teacher
  Though we know he lied to you
  Don't upset the preacher
  Gonna close his eyes for you
  Tempers fray so easily
  In desperate despair
  Is there anyone that cares
  Just another tragedy
  Just a personal affair
  In a room somewhere
  There was once a future
  For a working man
  There was once a lifetime
  For a skillful hand
  Yesterday