In the trials of my youth
On my way to being a man
There were 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

Laughing is all I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
Cos they 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

Laughing is all I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
Cos they got no life to live
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes but the shoes
But the shoes

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 opinions
And if I stand on top of the world
Then maybe I'll find somebody I know
And if I don't…

Laughing is all I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
Cos they got no life to live
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes but…