play the game

jack on the queen, four on the five

gotta reach that ace just to keep yourself alive

infinite patience in the freedom of a cell

you may be locked in here but outside could be hell

life is hard - you win or you lose

but when you pick the cards it's a fate that you can choose

drink in the glory! all hail the hero!

i beat the machine by a hundred to zero

and i say: zone out, switch on, deal out,

face up, face down, pile up,

hang out, skin up, light up, dream on,

lie down, turn on, far out; you

play the game

hide from all shame

play the game

oh what became of us?

cholesterol cloys, muscles sag

but working out is for egomaniacs

junk is kind, junk is sweet

and they'll never prove that you are what you eat.

the joker holds the bottle in his hand

the card was dealt to you back when the game began

but a poker face is your oldest, greatest trick

who would guess you'd taken just one more swig?

and i say: zone out, switch on, deal out...

i like my candy

candy's good to me

my candy world is pretty as can be

what are the stakes? what is to lose?

who gives the prize? who ties the noose?

every question begets another two

every answer is the same: me and you

jack on the queen, four on the five

gotta reach that ace just to keep yourself alive

infinite patience in the freedom of a cell

you may be locked in here but outside could be hell,

so why not: zone out, switch on, deal out...

written by tom yates 31 july 2001

tom yates - lead vocal, piano, candy synth, backing vocals, kabbas
steve parker - bass, guitar, harmonica
rob kenny - drums