[Verse 1]
Far across the ocean
In China or Japan
People live so differently
But what I'm trying to understand

Is when you're struck with trouble
When you feel the pain of life
Oh please tell me
How do you get by?

[Verse 2]
Today you are not with me
No, you had to go
But you left with him so quickly
As if you wanted me to know

That without you I am nothing
That without you I would fall
But now I've learned my lesson
So it's time for you to call
Call me up
And tell me how to get by

[Chorus]
Because it raises up from underground
Swallows me up pound for pound
Dragging me on down to hell
The way I feel I might as well

[Verse 3]
I've read books on mind and matter
On philosophy and art
I've read poems, songs and fables
That may tell you about the heart

Oh, but when you're struck with trouble
When you feel the pain of life
There's only one thing that I can tell you
And you will know this when you fall

That when you're tired of living
It's best to be afraid to die
So for now
That's how I'll get by