Cover art for Life and Life Only by Al Stewart

Life and Life Only

Sep. 1, 19691 viewer

Life and Life Only Lyrics

Life and Life Only

Mr. Willoughby, whose only luxury is the sugar in his tea
Teaches history at High Worthington School
His clothing has remained unnoticeably plain
His common room technique suitably restrained, though maybe too cool
Work done in the summery sun, see the cricket ball fly intently
Like a strange demented bird towards the sun;
Considering its flight, he pauses for a while
Ah, but Mr. Willoughby, we never seen you smile -
Tell me how come?
Ah but, sometimes it must get lonely
Ah, but it's life and life only

"Maurice," said Renee, "Why didn't you say that you'd be so late?
The supper that I made is ruined again
Is there anything you'd like?"
"No, nothing", he replied
Standing by the stairs, not looking in her eyes, so stupidly male
All dark and lying in bed
"You've been with her again", she blurts out
Then turning on her side begins to cry
At first he doesn't stir but then mumbling his words
He reaches for her hand, she shivers, but doesn't take it away
Ah, for sometimes it does get lonely
Ah, but it's life and life only
Oh Smithy Smithers-Bell; clerk from Clerkenwell
On the beach at Bournemouth thinks he very well
May, be next year in France
Inspired for a while, he decides to risk a smile
At Mr.Willoughby Who passes polishing his glasses
Studiously averting his glance

Renee, several deckchairs away, wonders if they would be better
While Maurice is with the kids out in the sea
And I was feeling small, sitting on the wall
Looking at them all and wondering who will I be?
Ah, but sometimes it does get lonely
Ah, but it's life and life only
Ah, but it's life and life only
Ah, but it's life and life only
Ah, but it's life and life ..

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Release Date
September 1, 1969
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