My father was a salesman

My mother was a saint

Working every God-given minute

To make enough to pay the rent

The war was nearly over

The peace would soon begin

Living on the edge of the city

When the roads were going in

They couldn't take any more (they couldn't take any more)

But they had to (carry on)

They couldn't take any more (they couldn't take any more)

But they had to carry on (carry on)

So they learned to carry on

With laughter and a song

To help them through the night

They're going to make it through

They're going to make it all right

The only entertainment a piano and a radio

Hot tea and cigarettes was enough to keep them on the go

Another generation yearning to be free

Learning how to keep it together and raise a family

They couldn't take any more (they couldn't take any more)

But they had to (carry on)

They couldn't take any more (they couldn't take any more)

But they had to carry on

Carry on