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