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