Keeping the Night at Bay

by Ralph McTell

Why's it always bed time?
We're not tired.
Can we stay up longer
By the fire?
If we go to bed now
Something's sure to happen
And we want to be there
When it's happening.

And each night coming with another delay
Trying to squeeze a little more from the day
Early to bed and early to rise
Leaves no circles under your eyes
Makes little children healthy and wise
They say
Keeping the night at bay.

Can we watch the news then
See what's happening?
Have we got to clean our teeth then?
Can we have a sweet then?
Is it too late for a story?
Can we leave the light on?
Are you coming up soon?
Will you bring a drink of water?



And each night coming with another delay
Trying to squeeze a little more from the day
Early to bed and early to rise
Leaves no circles under your eyes
Makes little children healthy and wise
They say
Keeping the night at bay.

What are we going to wash now
We had a wash this morning? 
Billy's all upset now
He can't find his pyjamas.
I've got a tummy ache now
Will Fulham win on Saturday?
When is it my birthday?
Can we leave the curtains open?
It's a shame about the goldfish
Will you sit by my bed?

And each night coming with another delay
Trying to squeeze a little more from the day
Early to bed and early to rise
Leaves no circles under your eyes
Makes little children healthy and wise
They say
Keeping the night at bay.