[vocoder intro]

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’ 9 to 5
While over 10 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

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

Found a car that I thought I’d buy
But the interest rates were just too high
Is this the 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 my money is nearly spent
Don’t have enough to pay the rent
You can cancel the future

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]

Can it be? Are you tellin’ me
This is the future?

Can it be? Are you tellin’ me
This is the future, future?
Can it be? Are you tellin’ me
This is the future?

Can it be? Are you tellin’ me
This is the future, future?

[breakdown]

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oooohh, aaahh, can't be that for me, no)

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oh, can't deal like this no more)
They say that's what it is, what it is
(Can't be, not for me, no no)

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oh no no, can't live like this, no)

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oooohh-aaahh, can't live like this no more, no no)
They say that's what it is, what it is

Is this a sign of the future?
(Ooooww, hey, ain't gonna be that for me, no)
[vocoder] It's the sign, baby
Is this a sign of the future?
(Ooh, baby)
They say that's what it is, what it is
(Ooh, you better tell me something else, no)

Is this a sign of the future?
(I can't live like this no more)
(Yeah, I expect something else to be gettin' on)
[vocoder] It's the sign, baby

Is this a sign of the future?
(Heyy, baby)
They say that's what it is, what it is
(Ooh, not for me)

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oooohh-aaahh, I need more than this, hey-yeah)
[vocoder] It's the sign, baby

Is this a sign of the future?
(Oooohh-aaahh)
They say that's what it is, what it is
(I can't live like this no more...)