Hard Living

eager enough, like a moth,
you flutter round the city lights
what is it here you're trying to get near -
an idea of paradise?

you never sleep in your hundred-hour week
you're a player, you do it all, do it all,
and you're denying the higher you climb
the further you may fall

  hard living
  a candle gives no light unless it burns
  hard living
  the winner wins, the loser learns

pull in the cash for a flashy car -
ooh, caveat emptor
but in the game of cool or lame
you're investing in your score

follow the buzz - follow because
there's always a place to be seen
keeping up the pace, every day you need to face
another night, another bar, another spree

  hard living
  a candle gives no light unless it burns
  hard living
  the winner wins, the loser learns

  and if the world should end, as you died,
  you'd recall these moments with pride
  you'd rest at peace
  knowing once at least you were alive

back in the city, no pity:
the weak support the strong
it's a punishing life, but it must be right
if no one dares say it's wrong

you are not free; you cannot see
the world you've left behind
the deed is done: you have become
the product of your mind

  hard living
  a candle gives no light unless it burns
  hard living
  the winner wins, the loser learns