Your bed’s not made today
                But I have a patient here
                Whose chest pain won’t go away  
                 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  You’re not happy with your meal
                  Dietary does try hard sir,
                  To give it some appeal 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  Your morning pills are late
                  I’ve a patient climbing out of bed
                  That I must try to sedate 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  Your mattress isn’t soft
                  We do need some new beds ma’am
                  But these things do cost a lot. 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  I didn’t get to comb your mother’s hair
                  I’ve a patient with emphysema
                  She’s scared, she can’t get air 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  Your fathers still in pain
                  I’m trying to reach his doctor
                  I’ll have to try again 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance 
                  Your dressings aren’t yet done
                  But a patient has just passed away,
                  I offered solace to his son, 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  I’m not cheery as a bird
                  I’ve worked 12 hours, my feet ache
                  I asked for help, but no one heard 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  I’ve only two hands and two feet
                  I’m trying to care for you, patient
                  Your needs, I want to meet 
                
 My 12 hours 
                  now are 16,
                  No replacement could be found
                  My aching feet they cry out
                  My head begins to pound 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  I cannot meet your gaze
                  My eyes are filled with tears
                  Your face is just a haze 
                
 If I could 
                  sit down for a minute
                  And maybe grab a bite 
                  Phone my kids to say I love them
                  And I’ll be late again tonight 
                
 I’m sorry 
                  in advance
                  I didn’t do all that must be done
                  If I worked any faster
                  I’d soon begin to run 
                
 When I 
                  do get to hold your hand
                  Or wipe your furrowed brow
                  Please understand, dear patient
                  I care for you and how 
                
 I see your 
                  pain, I sense your fear
                  Your anger in a glance,
                  Our health care service is failing you
                  I’m sorry in advance.