Is it worth it?   A new winter coat and shoes for the wife   And a bicycle on the boy's birthday.      It's just a rumour that was spread around town   By the women and children, soon we'll be shipbuilding      Well I ask you   The boy said 'Dad, they're going to take me to task   But I'll be home by Christmas.      It's just a rumour that was spread around town   Somebody said that someone got filled in   For saying that people get killed in   The results of their shipbuilding.      With all the will in the world   Diving for dear life   When we could be diving for pearls.      It's just a rumour that was spread around town   A telegram for a picture postcard   Within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyard   And notifying the next of kin   Once again.      It's all we're skilled in   We will be shipbuilding.      With all the will in the world   Diving for dear life   When we could be diving for pearls.