Wake Up

XTC · Coat Of Many Cupboards [2002]

You put your cleanest dirty shirt on

Then you stagger down to meet the dawn

You take a ride upon a bus, it's just a fuss

You know it keeps you born

You get to know a morning face

You get to join the human race

You get to know the world

Has passed you by



Who cares? You might be dead

Who cares? You stayed in bed

Who cares? You wrote the note

Who cares? You might have spoke



Wake up!



You take a snack to fill the gap

And then you're ready for another shift

Your attention was diverted

By the girl who smiled and made the lift

The radio is blaring out

It's in one ear and then it's out

You didn't notice that the record's over



Who cares? You might be dead

Who cares? You stayed in bed

Who cares? You wrote the note

Who cares? You might have spoke



Wake up!



In the road a crowd had gathered

And a man was close to dead

The blood is running down the gutter

While you're yawning, nothing's said

His body's wriggling like an eel

They got no sense, no touch, no feel

Somebody better go and get a blanket



Who cares? You might be dead

Who cares? You stayed in bed

Who cares? You wrote the note

Who cares? You might have spoke



Who cares?

Wake Up

Wake Up stands as a vibrant song in XTC's expansive discography, appearing on the 2002 compilation Coat Of Many Cupboards. This collection highlights the band's enduring legacy within the English new wave and alternative rock genres, showcasing their signature blend of melodic intricacy and witty lyricism. While the song itself captures the band's characteristic energy, it sits alongside other notable tracks from the same era, reflecting the creative depth that defined their later years. The recording exemplifies the group's ability to craft memorable hooks and engaging narratives, maintaining the high standards established throughout their career. Fans and newcomers alike can appreciate how this track contributes to the broader narrative of XTC's musical evolution, offering a snapshot of their distinctive sound during a period of continued artistic exploration.