The day the Elvis died

Was like a mercy killing

America breathed

A sigh of relief

We knew all about the drugs

And the Vegas shows

And there wasn't much of anything

That looked like grief



And I guess he shoulda done

Like James Dean did

'Stead of putting on weight

And sinking down, down, down

Easier to take

If he had just skidded straight

To souvenir city

And T-shirt town



And sometimes I wish

I was smarter that I am

But I'm on my 3rd city

And I'm on my 4th car

And I'm on my 5th apartment

And so many of my days have sprung



And now it's too late to crash

Too late to burn

Too late to die young



If Pete Rose had exploded

Like Roberto Clemente

He'd be hanging in the Hall of Fame

Without fail

Can you name the last good film

Marlon Brando made

While trying to keep his kid

From going to jail

And the old people

On the street are telling you