Your beds 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 mothers 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.