in the trials of my youth, on my way to being man
there was caustic words of ill advice I'd never understand
but their hometown dreams were shattered when ambition foiled their plans
but you can't be the one who tries, they love to criticise, I know… or at least they'll try 
CHORUS: 
come on
laughing is all that I can do, trying to keep from falling through
nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
they all got advice to give 'cos they've got no life to live
nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
nothing ever changes but the shoes 


in my one man crusade doing what I knew was right
they would tempt me with the honest sweat of labour, love and life
and they only find respect for you if you give up the fight
but you can't be the one who tries, they'll cut you down to size, I know… or at least they'll try 

CHORUS 

I....want to be there when you say you're wrong
I....want to be there when you crawl
I....wouldn't piss on your opinion
and if I stand on top of the world then maybe I'll find somebody I know, and if I don't… 

CHORUS