Children are writing, the teacher's talking The clock is ticking and the chalk is chalking This is the story of the Late, Great Nate McTate Somebody's running, somebody's late The door swings open and here comes Nate This is the story of the Late, Great Nate McTate Always out of step, he's just a bit behind Running but he's running out of time Clocks are turning circles and the planet's spinning 'round Maybe he could catch up if the world would just slow down Tap your feet, look at the clock Pace the floor, wait for a knock This is the story of the Late, Great Nate McTate You can try to be patient, try to be calm Try not to worry, hope nothing's gone wrong This is the story of the Late, Great Nate McTate Always out of step, he's just a bit behind Running but he's running out of time Clocks are turning circles and the planet's spinning 'round Maybe he could catch up if the world would just slow down A crowd stands round a hole in the ground Nobody's crying 'cause he can't be found They're all waiting on the Late, Great Nate McTate You see, the coffin is missing, the hearse ran out of gas Late for his funeral, now his time has passed This was the story of the Late, Great Nate McTate Always out of step, he's just a bit behind Running but he's running out of time Clocks are turning circles and the planet's spinning 'round Maybe he could catch up if the world would just slow down Just slow down Please slow down