The Entertainer
(Billy Joel)

I am the entertainer, and I know just where I stand
Another serenader, and another long-haired band
Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts
But I know the game, you'll forget my name
And I won't be here in another year
If I don't stay on the charts

I am the entertainer, and I've had to pay my price
Things I did not know at first I learned by doing twice
But still they come to haunt me, still they want their say
So I learned to dance with a hand in my pants
And I rub my neck and I write them a check
And they go their merry way

I am the entertainer, been all around the world
Played all kinds of palaces, laid all kinds of girls
I can't remember faces, I don't remember names
Ah but what the hell, you know it's just as well
'Cause after a while and a thousand miles
It all becomes the same

I am the entertainer, I bring to you my songs
I'd like to spend a day or two, but I can't stay that long
No, I got to meet expenses, I got to stay in line
Gotta get those fees to the agencies
And I'd love to stay, but there's bills to pay
So I just don't have the time

I am the entertainer, I've come to do my show
You heard my latest record, it's been on the radio
It took me years to write it, they were the best years of my life
It was a beautiful song, but it ran too long
If you're gonna have a hit, you gotta make it fit
So they cut it down to 3:05

I am the entertainer, the idol of my age
I make all kinds of money when I go on the stage
You've seen me in the papers, I've been in the magazines
But if I grow cold, I won't get sold
I'll get put in the back, in the discount rack
Like another can of beans

I am the entertainer, and I know just where I stand
Another serenader, and another long-haired band
Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts
But I know the game: you'll forget my name
I won't be here in another year
If I don't stay on the charts