Peddler of death

This is a song that I wrote some years ago, that I sang out in the streets with my friend, and also in a prison when I was a prison visitor.

There's a guy in the street
looks like you - looks like me
and he's trying to sell his wares

but he's making his living from misery

maybe yours - maybe mine - who cares

and he's hoping you'll walk right up to him and say

'Look, how much does what you've got cost?'

Then He'll say 'You can try before you buy'

but son if you do then you're lost

Say 'No' to the peddler of death my friend

he'll take you for all you can give

Tell him you'd rather not follow the trend

tell him you'd much rather live

There's a girl in your class

that you've known for a while

she likes discos and dances, like you

but one day she will come with a wry little smile

and say 'Hey have you tried sniffing glue?

And she'll tell you that all the kids try it

That it's all the rage in your school

Then she'll offer to take you to buy it

but child if you do you're a fool

Say 'No' to the peddler of death my friend

he'll take you for all you can give

Tell him you'd rather not follow the trend

tell him you'd much rather live

Yes there's plenty of jokers just looking for mugs

and they don't give a damn about you

'cos son if they did then they wouldn't push drugs

and a true friend won't offer you glue

so don't play the game of a loser

or you might just be counting the cost

for there's a shroud as a gown

when the chips go down

and the last dice are finally tossed

say 'No' to the peddler of death my friend

he'll take you for all you can give

Tell him you'd rather not follow the trend

tell him you'd much rather live.