The Ballad of the Millwheel lyrics

Many great ones through the ages Have attained to erthly power Yet they all had their hour As we witnessed behind our cages Sad it is when fate has failed To speed them But for us whose job it is To feed them Whether this one's high Or that one low The load on our shoulders Always go Still the millwheel turns It turns forever Though what it uppermost Remains not so The water underneath In vain endeavor Does the work but always stays below Many are different masters Who have ruled us in their day Eagles, hyenas and tigers Even swine have had their say Which of them was better Than the other? Every boot's the copy Of its brother Do you understand what's here intended? We don't need no masters We want all mastery ended Still the millwheel turns It turns forever Though what it uppermost Remains not so The water underneath In vain endeavor Does the work but always stays below And they beat their hands Till they are bloody Scrambling after booty Everyone calls the other rascal And himself the slave of duty Time has comme away To speed them Each in lasting conflict With its brother Only our will that we won't feed them Brings them to peace With one another Still the millwheel turns It turns forever Though what it uppermost Remains not so The water underneath In vain endeavor Does the work but always stays below