He stands towering over me beside my bed losing his head
Tells me I must take him seriously
Droning on the usual way, he's such a clever guy
And I wonder: Should I laugh or cry?

He's (he's) dressed (dressed) in the striped pajamas that I bought, trousers too short
Gives (gives) me (me) of his small philosophy
Carries on the way he does, and me I get so tired
And I wonder: Should I laugh or cry?

High and mighty his banner flies, a fool's pride in his eyes
Standin' there on his toes to grow in size (all I see is)
All I see is a big balloon (big balloon) halfway up to the Moon (halfway to the Moon)
He's wrapped up in the warm and safe cocoon of an eternal lie
So should I laugh or cry?

Strange (strange) how (how) dangerously indifferent I have grown cold as a stone
No (no) more (more) pain where there was pain before
Far away he rambles on, I feel my throat go dry
And I wonder: Should I laugh or cry?

High and mighty his banner flies, a fool's pride in his eyes
Standin' there on his toes to grow in size (all I see is)
All I see is a big balloon (big balloon) halfway up to the Moon (halfway to the Moon)
He's wrapped up in the warm and safe cocoon of an eternal lie
So should I laugh (so should I laugh) or cry?