When we were young we used to cook marshmallows by the fire
We used to share secrets in the car
And play handball in the park
And whisper stories in the dark

But it seems those days have gone . . . they’re gone . . . they’ve passed away
they’re gone . . . they’ve passed away

When we were young we used to skip and dance
We used to sing and laugh
And play hopscotch in the sand
And we were always holding hands

But it seems those days have gone . . . they’re gone . . . they’ve passed away
they’re gone . . . they’ve passed away

Chorus: Things seemed so simple then . . . before we met the money men
Before we started pushing pens . . . before selling out to the system
before selling out to the system

But though we’re older now I still yearn to run up mountains
And do cartwheels in the yard
I still yearn to make long daisy chains
And ride my racing bike

‘Cause though we’re older now I still feel the same inside
I still feel the same inside
And though we’re older now I still long to put on dirty clothes
And roll around in mud
I still long to drink my Ovaltine
Before I go to bed

‘Cause though I’m older now I still feel the same inside
I still feel the same inside

Chorus: Yes I long to return to the simple life . . .
When days were free from pain and strife
Before we learned to stereotype . . . before selling out to the system
before selling out to the system

But now I’ve had enough of rat race mode
I’m going home to my family
I’m going to kiss their lovely faces one by one
And hold them in my arms
I’m going to tell them that I’ll never leave them
I’ll never leave their sides

And I’m gonna live the simple life
the simple life again
Yes I’m gonna live the simple life
the simple life again

Chorus: Yes, I’m returning to the simple life to find some simple fun
I’m gonna treat myself to some simple pleasures
‘Cause I’m sayin’ goodbye to the system
Yes I’m sayin’ goodbye to the system
Yes I’m sayin’ goodbye to the system
“Goodbye system . . . goodbye” . . . you see?
I’ve said it . . . goodbye
I’ve said goodbye to the system
I’ve said goodbye to the system
“Goodbye system . . . don’t need you no more” . . . etc.
Bye . . .