Arthur was born just a plain simple man
   In a plain simple working class position
   Though the world was hard and its ways were set
   He was young and he had so much ambition
   All the way he was overtaken
   By the people who make the big decisions
   But he tried and he tried for a better life
   And a way to improve his own condition
   If only life were easy it would be such fun
   Things would be more equal and be plenty for everyone
   Arthur the world's gone and passed you by
   Don't you know it, don't you know it
   You can cry, cry all night but it won't make it right
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
  
   Arthur we know and we sympathize
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
   Arthur we like you and want to help you
   Somebody loves you don't you know it
  
   How is your life and your Shangri-la
   And your long lost land of Hallelujah
   And your hope and glory has passed you by
   Can't you see what the world is doing to ya
   And now we see your children
   Sailing off in the setting sun
   To a new horizon
   Where there's plenty for everyone
   Arthur, could be
   That the world was wrong
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
   Arthur, could be
   You were right all along
   Don't ya know it, I hope ya know it
   Now we know and we sympathize
   We'd like to help you and understand you
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
   Somebody loves you, don't ya know it
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
  
   Arthur the world's gone and passed you by
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
   You can cry, cry all night
   But it won't make it right
   Don't ya know it, don't ya know it
   Arthur we read you and understand you
   Arthur we like you and want to help you
   Oh! we love you and want to help you