Songtext Keeping the night at bay Ralph Mctell

Keeping the night at bay

Why's it always bedtime? We're not tired!
Can we stay up longer by the fire?
If we go to bed now, something's sure to happen -
And we wanna be there when it's happening.

And each night comin' with another delay,
Tryin' to squeeze a little more from the day.
Early to bed and early to rise leaves no circles under your eyes,
Makes little children healthy and wise they say:
Keeping the night at bay.

Can we watch the news there see what's happening?
Have we got to clean our teeth then? Can we have a sweet then?
Is it too late for a story? Can we leave the light on?
Are you coming up soon? Will you bring a drink of water?

And each night comin' with another delay,
Tryin' to squeeze a little more from the day.
Early to bed and early to rise leaves no circles under your eyes,
Makes little children healthy and wise they say:
Keeping the night at bay.

Why've we gotta wash now, we had a wash this morning!
Billy's all upset now, he can't find his pyjamas.
I've got a tummy ache now, will Fulham win on Saturday?
When is it my birthday? Can we leave the curtains open?
It's a shame about the goldfish; will you sit by my bed?

And each night comin' with another delay,
Tryin' to squeeze a little more from the day.
Early to bed and early to rise leaves no circles under your eyes,
Makes little children healthy and wise they say:
Keeping the night at bay;
Keeping the night at bay