The Kinks - Members Of The Club

I can deal with the national crisis, economic worry and strife
Though my mind is racked with indecision
Pressures from the radicals, pressures from the right
And appear to appease my critics, yet retain my party line
I can have it both ways at the very same time
I'm the man in the middle, I can stem the tide
And keep the lower classes satisfied
And still make the wealthy think I'm on their side
In government it's always compromise
To give in and somehow seem dignified

I can say "yes" while appearing to say "no"
Seem radical, yet maintain the status quo
I can defer decisions, manipulate and bluff
But I can't fool the members of the club

I'll face the press, I'll face the toughest militants
But then I'll face the members of the club (we're the members of the club)
I'll face Her Grace, Her Majesty will understand
But I'll be in disgrace with the members of the club (we're the members of the club)
Will my decision be accepted by the club? (we're the members of the club)
Will I still be well-respected by the club? (we're the members of the club)
Or will I bear the front of endless ridicule?
What is the right and proper thing to do?

I can delegate and engage the opposition
In a sane debate, but not the members of the club (we're the members of the club)
I can satisfy demands of queen and country
But I can't get by the members of the club (we're the members of the club)
I can't arrest a member of the club (we're the members of the club)
Except with the permission of the club (we're the members of the club)
If I do there will be questions at the club
So I must comply to satisfy the club

So hesitate and contemplate a little more
For heaven's sake, he's a member of the club
But the ultimate decision rests with you
But if you're wrong, your membership must be reviewed
And then dire consequences might ensue
So you must find the right and proper thing to do