Well, they'll guide your career
For only ninety-five percent
Well, that leaves enough for fronts like
Three-piece suit's and pays the rent
Sing the blues and pay your dues
And not know who you are
Make you wonder why so many people
Want to be a star well

Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant
Come-and-go business
Got you hanging out at places
You got no business
And people sell their soul
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business it's
All right with me yeah, it's alright with me
Just as long as you know

You're only as important to them
As your latest hit
That's a precarious position for a
Plastic king to sit
Lawyers' game is double same
Your fate is in their hands
You're a millionaire without a dime
You just don't understand! Well

Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant
Come-and-go business
Got you hanging out at places
You got no business
And people sell their soul
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business it's
All right with me yeah, it's alright with me
Just as long as you know

Jumping down a ladder of success
That runs both ways
And you see all the worst
And best damn near everyday
Fans and fans and one-night stands will
Fill your mind with doubt
And on closing day, you're lucky to say
"Down but still not out!" Well

Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant
Come-and-go business
Got you proving exactly how much
You don't know business
And people sell their soul
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business it's
All right with me