The One on the Right (Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

[Verse 1]
There once was a musical troupe, a singin', swingin' folk group
They sang the mountain ballads and the songs of many lands
They were long on musical ability, folks thought they'd go far
But political incompatibility led to their downfall

[Chorus]
Well now, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the one in the re-ee-ee-ee-ear ... he was a liberal

[Verse 2]
This musical aggregation toured entire nations
Singin' traditional ballads and the songs of many lands
Thеy performed with great virtuosity, and soon thеy were the rage
But political animosity prevailed upon the stage

[Chorus]
Well now, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the one in the re-ee-ee-ee-ear ... burned his union card

[Verse 3]
The curtain had ascended, a hush fell on the crowd
As thousands there were gathered to hear the songs of many lands
But they took their politics seriously, and at night at the concert hall
As the audience watched deliriously, they had a free-for-all

[Chorus]
Well now, the one on the right was on the bottom
And the one in the middle was on the top
And the one on the left was right in the middle
And the one in the re-ee-ee-ee-ear said, "Oh, dear"

[Verse 4]
Now, this should be a lesson if you wanna start a folk group
Don't go mixin' politics with the songs of many lands
Just work on harmony and diction and play your banjo well
And if you have political convictions then keep them to yourself

[Chorus]
Well now, the one on the right is right where he started
And the one in the left has left for Brazil
The one on the middle is still in the muddle
And the one in the re-ee-ee-ee-ear ... he drew out his zap gun
And he shot the batman stone-cold dead