I try to get my foot on the ladder 
try climbing up the greasy pole 
one step forward, ten steps backwards 
retrograde rock 'n' roll 

It's so hard living on the breadline 
harder still if you're stuck below 
lose your mind in the daily grind 
oh what a way to go 

Someone else has all our money 
someone else is cashing in 
honesty's no policy 
for hangers on and middle men 

So keep your mouth shut and just listen 
everybody's standing still 
you telephone your words of wisdom 
but words won't pay my bills 

You got where you are because of me 
I'll get there inspite of you 
'though I have to work ten times harder 
to be told I'm half as good