Shangri-La

Album: Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969)
Play Video
  • Now that you've found your paradise
    This is your kingdom to command
    You can go outside and polish your car
    Or sit by the fire in your Shangri-la

    Here's your reward for working so hard
    Gone on the lavatories in the back yard
    Gone all the days when you dreamed of that car
    You just want to sit in your shangri-la

    Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
    You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
    You're in your place and you know where you are
    In your Shangri-la
    Sit back in your old rocking chair
    You need not worry, you need not care
    You can't go anywhere
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la

    The little man who gets the train
    Has got a mortgage hanging over his head
    But he's too scared to complain
    'Cause he's conditioned that way
    Time goes by and he pays off his debts
    Got a T.V set and a radio
    For seven Shillings a week
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la

    All the houses on the street have got a name
    'Cause all the houses in the street they look the same
    Same chimney pots, same little cars, same window panes
    The neighbors call to tell you things that you should know
    They say their lines, they drink their tea, and then they go
    They tell your business in another Shangri-la
    The gas bills and the water rates, and payments on the car
    Too scared to think about how insecure you are
    Life ain't so happy in your little Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la la la la la la la la la

    Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
    You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
    You're in your place and you know where you are
    In your Shangri-la
    Sit back in your old rocking chair
    You need not worry, you need not care
    You can't go anywhere
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la
    Shangri-la Writer/s: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES
    Publisher: Abkco Music Inc.
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Kimberly from Landing, NjThe song seems to be reporting the sign of our on tour of times with values of respect.
  • Allison from A Little Ol' Town In, MiI like the gutar in the beginning. The beginning sounds kind of haunting. Cool
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?