Words and Music by Colin Hay

Jump down the shelters to get away
The boys are cockin' up their guns
Tell us General, is it party time?
If it is, can we all come

Don't think that we don't know
Don't think that we're not trying
Don't think we move too slow
It's no use after crying
Saying it's a mistake, it's a mistake
It's a mistake, it's a mistake

After the laughter has died away
And the boys have had their fun
No surface noise now, not much to say
They've got the bad guys on the run

Don't try to say you're sorry
Don't say he drew his gun
They've gone and grabbed old Ronnie
He's not the only one Saying it's a mistake, it's a mistake
It's a mistake, it's a mistake

Tell us, Commander, what do you think?
'Cause we know that you love all that power
Is it on then, are we on the brink?
We wish you'd all throw in the towel

We'll not fade out too soon
Not in this finest hour
Whistle your favorite tune
We'll send a card and flower
Saying it's a mistake, it's a mistake
It's a mistake, it's a mistake