They say that Richard Cory owns one half of this whole town

with political connections to spread his wealth around

born into society a banker's only child

He had everything a man could want power, grace and style

But I work in his factory and I curse the life I'am living

and I curse my poverty and I wish that I could be

Oh I wish that I could be Oh I wish that I could be Richard Cory



The pappers print his picture almost everywhere he goes

Richard Cory at the opera Richard Cory at a show

and the rumor of his parties and the orgies on his yatch

oh he surely must be happy with everything he's got

But I work in his factory and I curse the life I'am living

and I curse my poverty and I wish that I could be

Oh I wish that I could be Oh I wish that I could be Richard Cory



He freely gave to charity he had the common touch 

and they were greatfull for his patronage and they thanked him very much

so my mind was filled with wonder when the evening headlines read 

Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head

But I work in his factory and I curse the life I'am living

and I curse my poverty and I wish that I could be

Oh I wish that I could be Oh I wish that I could be Richard Cory