When you reach number ten and think the struggle ends
But it ain't the end, it's only a trend
You have to unbend
'Cause it's only a trend
Don't lose all your friends
Don't make your heroes end
When you reach number eight it ain't no pearly gate
'Cause it won't satiate your growing appetite
You can ply your trade and push your crusade
Emancipate or indoctrinate but the
Traps are all laid for any honest crusade
Your old values will fade as you struggle to make the grade
As you struggle to make the grade
As you struggle to make the grade
As you struggle to make the grade
You needn't bother
When you hit number four you're almost through the door
There's a whole lot more you just can't ignore
The telephone's sure, you know the score
But don't let this uproar dissipate your encore
It's written in the news how you paid your dues
But you've no excuse for the people you abuse
When you reach number one you can beat your drum
Sack your roadies in Birmingham
When your record is platinum, you can stick it to the bath
To the wall like you've always planned
It's written in the news how you paid your dues
There's no excuse for the people you abuse
When you reach number ten, people you abuse
No excuse
For the people you abuse
You've got no excuse
For the people you abuse