[Vocoder Intro]

[Verse 1: Gerry Thomas]
We can put a man up in space
But on earth it's just a rat race
Is this the future?
We got people workin' nine to five
While over ten percent are trying to stay alive
Is this the future?
Crime is up, education is down
But the Dow Jones is on the rebound
Is this the future?
Ronald Reagan says, "Stay the course"
But only a fool would wanna endorse
This kind of future

[Chorus: Gerry Thomas]
Everyday, as I go my way
I can hear the people as they say
“Hey brother, can you spare a dime?
I don't wanna end up doin'-”
“Hey brother, can you spare a dime?
I don't wanna end up doin' time”
But they say it's just a sign of the future

[Verse 2: Gerry Thomas]
Found a car that I thought I'd buy
But the interest rates were just too high
Is this-this future?
Worked years perfecting my craft
Now my boss is giving me the shaft
Is this the future?
Used to eat steaks and caviar
Now it's peanut butter in a candy bar
Is this the future?
All-All my money is nearly spent
Don't have enough to pay the rent
You can't cancel the future
[Chorus: Gerry Thomas]
Everyday, as I go my way
I can hear the people as they say
“Hey brother, can you spare a dime?
I don't wanna end up doin' time”
But they say it's just a sign of the future

[Sax Solo]

[Outro: Gerry Thomas]
Can it be? Are you tell-tell
This is-is future?
Can it be? Are you tell-tell
This is the future, future?