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