Lyric

[Verse 1]

Wake up at eight, no hesitation

Stay awake until midnight, steady concentration

Shave with an electric razor, clear the face

Brush my teeth in a measured pace

Weigh myself before I eat

Take a warm bath, feel the heat

A shower will refresh you, that’s true

Arrange the schedule, line by line through

Fall asleep immediately when the day is done

Make haste when tomorrow’s begun

[Chorus]

These are the bare necessities I claim

Turn on a light, keep the flame

Breathe deeply, stand up tall

Work up a thirst, give it your all

Call back tomorrow, don’t delay

Call for strong action when stakes are high

Call on a customer, call up an old friend

Call off the game when storms descend

[Verse 2]

Keep a cat as a pet at home

Tend to stay at home, rarely roam

Clean house thoroughly, every room

Water the plants so flowers bloom

Greet a friend on the street outside

Shake hands with someone with quiet pride

Wipe off excess oil from a pan

Hang clothes on the hook as neatly as you can

Sit on a cushion, behave well

Clean out a drawer where old things dwell

[Chorus]

These are the bare necessities I claim

Turn on a light, keep the flame

Use a key to open a lock

Hammer a nail with steady knock

Mail a parcel, write your address

Shelter from the rain in distress

Walk around the city wide

Be blinded by the sun outside

[Bridge]

Rubber band around old letters tied

Prefer weak coffee set aside

See a happy film on Friday night

Be dripping wet in sudden light

Breathe deeply in crowded streets

Work up a thirst in summer heats

[Final Chorus]

Wake up at eight, repeat the frame

Stay awake until midnight again

Call back tomorrow, don’t pretend

Call on a customer, call up an old friend

Call for strong action when needed most

Call off the game when storms approach

Arrange the schedule, live it right—

Turn on a light

And fall asleep immediately at night