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

You needn't bother!

When you hit number four

You're almost through the door

But 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

You can sack your roadies in Birmingham

When your record is platinum

You can stick it to the [band]

To the wall like you've always planned

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 ten

The people you abuse

No excuse

For the people you abuse

You've got no excuse

For the people you abuse