Scrugg - I Wish I Was Five (1968)

When John Kongos left South Africa to record a song in England, he eventually got together with some guys and formed a band, Floribunda Rose. After releasing one single in 1967, the band members shifted a bit and those that remained (including Kongos) changed to this name.

This song comes from the group’s first single, released in 1968, as a B-side. It was later accepted that it was the better of the two sides, and had they promoted it rather than its flip, “Everyone Can See,” the single may have pushed the group forward.



Scrugg - I Wish I Was Five (1968)

Loading the ABLYAM player...(Might not work on mobile devices)

Lyrics:

Somebody, somewhere, is fighting today
So much to say and so little time to say
Think I’m not allowed to speak about
Not allowed to leave and shout about

Silly things to play on swings
I wish I was five
Wish I was five
Sometimes it’s not so good to be alive

Get out of this place
You must have the time
Your face never goes red
When you tell a lie
Saw you with another man today
My hand is gonna change your luck today

Silly things to play on swings
I wish I was five
Wish I was five
Sometimes it’s not so good to be alive

I wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five
(Wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five)

I wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five
(Wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five)

Somebody, somewhere, is fighting today
So much to say and so little time to say
Think I’m not allowed to speak about
I’m not allowed to leave and shout about

Silly things to play on swings
I wish I was five
Wish I was five
Sometimes it’s not so good to be alive

Wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five
Wish I was five, but to be alive when you’re five
Wish I was five