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

I'm dressed in the style

I wear all kinds of sparkles

I flash the crowd my smile

But when the night is over

And I stand without my clothes

Perspiration stains and varicose veins

My eyes look shot

My belly's got a pot

And there's a pimple on my nose



I am the entertainer

Been all around the world

I've played all kinds of palaces

And 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

I can't stay that long

No, I've 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 come to do my show

You've heard my latest record

It's been on the radio

Ah, 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

Ah, you've seen me in the papers

I've been in the magazines

But if I go 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

Writer : JOPLIN, SCOTT/SCHULLER, GUNTHER
Copyright : Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC