The water is black the coast was clear Now they're sweating dollars dripping fear What a way to end the fiscal year Mopping up the dirty pool Mopping up the dirty pool They've given us a new career It's the make work project of theyear Oh dear god bless the volunteer Mopping up the dirty pool Mopping up the dirty pool Your way can't stay Your way cant stay won't stay can't stay Mopping up the dirty pool This ship of steel is a leaky tin Spilt milk tears run down your chin This crying shame's a fuckin' sin Mopping up the dirty pool A rusty tanker's belly a fault somewhere it seems Bled gallons to the ocean and poisoned the marine The shoreline's tarred and feathered And the seagulls look like crows The unofficial explanation "Shit happens don't you know" Your way can't stay Your way cant stay won't stay Can't stay won't stay Mopping up the dirty pool Your way is the wrong way Your way can't stay won't stay can't stay Mopping up the dirty Mopping up the dirty Mopping up the dirty pool