This is a story, it's not fantasy
Left up to us to relate
One first of April, some years ago
Striver steps out of his house
Springtime sun is shining down on the city
He has to take the subway, oh what a pity
Puffing publicity on every wall
Proclaiming the best way of life
It's squandermania, it is a creed
You must believe unreserved
Striver's mind is somewhere else in the office
He does not yet know that he will be filed away
Life's a gallop when you play the game
It's oppressing when you're being screwed
Got to learn it, so we'll tell you now
It'll be the day to file you away
When somebody else meets your soul
Don't be ashamed, you're not to blame
It's gonna come to all of us
Left up to us to relate
One first of April, some years ago
Striver steps out of his house
Springtime sun is shining down on the city
He has to take the subway, oh what a pity
Puffing publicity on every wall
Proclaiming the best way of life
It's squandermania, it is a creed
You must believe unreserved
Striver's mind is somewhere else in the office
He does not yet know that he will be filed away
Life's a gallop when you play the game
It's oppressing when you're being screwed
Got to learn it, so we'll tell you now
It'll be the day to file you away
When somebody else meets your soul
Don't be ashamed, you're not to blame
It's gonna come to all of us