I'm forever struck
by the people in this town
and the way they go about their world
have they given up
all the fun they used to have in adolescent xanadu

everything is too much time and trouble
they must be seen as being respectable
they're too busy with their social climbing
waiting for a rise

Chorus.

Why can't people just be people

when they were young
they would wish for the summer evenings that would never end
now the day's too long
and the key to life is locked away in childhood memories
some people judge a man as reasonable
if the wine he buys is seasonable
they've time for friendship if it's advantageous
and causes no pain

Chorus:

why are people so deceitful
why can't people just be people

there is more to the world
than is offered by the soap and war found on the TV screen
and there is more to this life
if you would only take the time to look within and find the key
don't believe words when they're superficial
don't put your trust in values artificial
let your heart do the talking for a little
and feel yourself shine

Chorus:

why can't people trust in people
why can't people just be people

find the time and you'll realise
life isn't too much time and trouble
(repeat til fade)