When Winter's shadowy fingers first pursue you down the street

And your boots no longer lie about the cold around your feet

Do you spare a thought for Summer whose passage is complete

Whose memories lie in ruins and whose ruins lie in heat

When Winter.... comes howling in.

Verse 2:

When the wind is singing strangely, blowing music through your head

And your rain-splattered windows make you decide to stay in bed

Do you spare a thought for the homeless tramp who wishes he was dead

Or do you pull your bed-clothes higher, dream of Summertime instead,

When Winter.... comes howling in.

Verse 3:

The creeping cold has fingers that caress without permission

And mystic crystal snowdrops only aggravate the condition

Do you spare a thought for the gypsy with no secure position

Who's turned and spurned by village and town and the Magistrate's decision,

When Winter.... comes howling in.

Verse 4:

When the turkey's in the oven and the Christmas presents are bought

And Santa's in his module - he's an American astronaut -

Do you spare a thought for Jesus, who had nothing but his thoughts,

Who got busted - just for talking, and befriending the wrong sorts,

When Winter.... comes howling in.

Fm F G Intro....

When Winter.... comes howling in.