Written by: Harry Nilsson & Perry Vocals: Harry Nilsson with the senior citizens of the Stepney & Pinner Choir--Club No. 6, London, England Accordian: Henry Krein Rhythm Section: The Henry Krein Quartet plus Klaus Voorman I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead I'd rather be dead than wet my bed I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead I said dead than wet my bed Oh, I'd rather be gone--Than carry on I'd rather go away--Than feel this way Oh, I'd rather be there--Where you haven't got a care And you're better off dead--Though it doesn't seem fair Oh, I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead I'd rather be dead than wet than wet my bed I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead
I'd rather be dead than wet than wet my bed (Laidies) I'd rather keep my health--and dress myself But you're better off dead than sitting on a shelf (Men) I'll tie my tie 'till the day I die But if I have to be fed then I'd rather be dead And when he takes my hand on the very last day I will understand because it's better that way Oh! It's nice to be alive--When the dream comes true You'll be better off dead--It could happen to you Oh! I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead I'd rather be dead than wet my bed I'd rather be dead--I'd rather be dead I'd rather be dead than wet than wet my bed (Alright! Give yourselves a big hand!) (Clapping.)