A Thousand Trees

Standing at the bus stop with my shopping in my hands
When I'm overhearing elder ladies
As the rumours start to fly
You hear them in the schoolyard, in the scrapyard
In the chip shop, in the phone box
In the pool hall, at the shoe stall
Every corner turned around

It started with a schoolgirl who was running
Running home to her mam and dad
Told them she was playing in the change room
Of her local football side

They said, "Tell us again", she told them again
"Tell us the truth", they found it hard to believe
'Cause he taught our Steve, he even trained me
Taught Uncle John who's a father of three

Only takes one tree to make a thousand matches
Only takes one match to burn a thousand trees
A thousand trees

You see it in the classroom, in the swimming pool
Where the matchstick men are made
At the scout's hall, at the football
Where the wise we trust are paid

They all honour his name, he did a lot for the game
Got his name knocked up above the sports ground gates
Now they're ripping them down, stamping the ground
Picture gathers dust in the bar, in the lounge

It takes one tree to make a thousand matches
Only takes one match to burn a thousand trees
A thousand trees

Wake up, smell the rain
Shake up, he's back to stay
Hasn't been on a holiday
Growing seeds don't believe why he's been away

In the schoolyard, change room
Playing fields, bathroom
Phone box, office blocks
Corners turned around

They keep doubting the flame, tossing the blame
Got his name knocked up above the sports ground gates
Now they're ripping them down, stamping the ground
Picture gathers dust in the bar, in the lounge

It takes one tree to make a thousand matches
Only takes one match to burn a thousand trees
A thousand trees

A thousand trees
A thousand trees