At eighteen I grew restless for the city Id see its lights that beckoned from afar I packed my dreams, assured Id be successful Id sing my songs, Id soon become a star I needed clothes to make the right impression I bought a suit, the finest tailormade Had an act, then designed, with the ladies in mind Endure the debt I felt would be repaid I dreamed I would be emblazoned in neon The biggest, the best, above all the rest, wherever Id play I dreamed I would be acknowledged the greatest The cream of the crop, its good at the top, I was there to stay The loveliest girls would gather around me With photos to sign, they all would be mine for less than a smile My curtain would cue, resounding ovations Their deafening roar would ring out for more, Id go off in style The older that I become, my features are ageing My voice is still there, my gestures precise, my talent would glow At times Ive had bitterness, for nothing has happened Ive struggled and strived, but never arrived, and Im still unknown And yet, yet I believe that my time is coming If given the breaks, Ive got what it takes to go all the way Then under my feet the stage would be pulsing Finally Id be there in the spotlights glare, it would be my day For thirty years its been an endless circle Ive made the rounds, they always look the same I sing my songs, but people seldom listen They never care, for they dont know my name To keep alive, Ive played the thirdrate bookings I have no choice, I take what I can find Sleazy clubs, little pay, easy girls, sleep all day But in my dreams, I leave it far behind I dreamed that Ill be relating the story Of how I prevailed when I should have failed, in my quest for fame I dreamed I would be enjoying my leisure Taking life in stride, ladies at my side, wild from the game On opening night, Ill calmly be reading The thousands of words from those who admire my standing alone The stage light would dim, the moment would quicken My heart in my throat, hearing the first note, Id be on my own I tried to find a gimmick, to lift me from darkness Ive sung about love, Ive ?????? songs, a stale joke or two If everything fails and Im left in the shadows The fault isnt mine, I asked for a chance, but nothing came through I have no one to thank, for no one has offered To give me a hand, or take any stand, thats out of their way But deep in my heart, I know, I know that I have it And Ill get my due life and start anew, it will be my day
id, dreamed, stage, thirdrate, strived