Joseph You're a Worried Man

Wrote 'Joseph' in 1989.

This version was recorded in May 2026.

"I'll never be as famous as you,
Nor have so many things to say.
I never stood above the milling throng,
Fact I mostly got in their way.
There's those who'd give you everything,
Wouldn't give me the time of day.
Everything's rosy in the garden
And you're always making hay.

But you're worried, worried,
Joseph you're a worried man.
You're worried, worried,
Joseph you're a worried man.

We grew up together,
Went to the village school.
You were always the teacher's pet,
I was the classroom fool.
Standing in the corner,
When you were standing out.
Where I was no good at the subjects took,
You were a real boy scout.

Captain of the cricket team,
Scored the winning goal.
Basking in the sunshine, Joe,
When I was out in the cold.

But you're worried, worried,
Joseph you're a worried man.

You're worried, worried,
Joseph you're a worried man.

You went off to college,
The dole queue beckoned me.
You got yourself an Oxford blue
And a fine first class degree.
Straight into middle management,
Up the greasy pole.
Chairman of the corporate board
Was your only goal.

Through chest pain, ulcers, sleeping pills,
You mounted the ladder.
I take it easy nine to five,
And I know which is better.
But you're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man.
You're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man.

You move, you shake, you get things done,
Let nothing gets in your way.
Holiday in the south of France,
You've a villa in Saint-Tropez.
They make a place at the best hotels
When every room is full.
When you want a box at the opera,
You know the strings to pull.

Your secretary has the longest legs,
You've many a good racehorse.
But they're after you for income tax
And your wife wants a divorce.

You're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man.
You're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man.

You forced your way to the top of the tree,
I went with the flow.
They say you're having a good time, Joe,
And I don't have much to show.
But Joe I never asked for anymore
Than what I've got.
Two kids who think I'm the best there is,
And a woman who thinks I'm hot!

With all that power and influence
And all those stocks and shares,
You do not have my peace of mind
And a family that cares.

You're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man.
You're worried, worried,
Joseph, you're a worried man."

A previous, patched together version of this song can be found here: Joseph You're a Worried Man