What's a guy gotta do
To catch a break in this town?
There's always the man in blue
Wearin' a badge and a frown.
After a year or two,
It starts to get you down.
What's a guy gotta do
To catch a break in this town?
Your life's controlled;
They've got a hold,
Got a hold on you.
They've bought and sold,
Bought and sold you.
Your border's patrolled;
Run and they'll find you.
You can't stay here,
And you can't go there;
They won't even let you
Fall into despair.
You can't stay here,
And you can't go there;
They won't even let you
Fall into despair.
What's a guy gotta do
To get ahead in this state?
The only thing that's true
Is "Hurry up and wait."
After a year or two,
First love can turn to hate.
What's a guy gotta do
To get ahead in this state?
Your life's controlled;
They've got a hold,
Got a hold on you,
They've bought and sold,
Bought and sold you.
Your border's patrolled;
Run and they'll find you.
You can't stay here,
And you can't go there;
They won't even let you
Fall into despair.
You can't stay here,
And you can't go there;
They won't even let you
Fall into despair.
What's a guy gotta do
To get ahead on this earth?
You make a buck or two,
But never what you're worth.
Right till your life is through,
It's a struggle from birth.
What's a guy gotta do
To get ahead on this earth?