Story Behind The Song

Used a well known saying as a title and constructed a lyric from it. The lyrical rhythm and attitude dictated a standard, easily recognisable rockin' format.

Song Description

Full band version. 4/4 rock'n'roll a la stones, but more southern country, with horn backing. Story-song, but 'attitudinal' in style, it has a wee twist at the end. Celebrity bemoans to fan about the difficulties he/she faced getting to the top of the sho

Lyrics

Copyright © 2006 Jim Ferrie Music

Hey all the people queue to see me
At the awards or at the movies
I'm a pillar of society
I see looks of love, of jealousy
Of desperately wannabee
And all those looks are all a-fixin' on me

So hand me your book
With all those autographs in it
And I'll add my special scribble to your list
I see you eyein' me up
Like I'm a demi-god or somethin'
But I think there's somethin' you might have missed

Coz the road to get here's cold
All that glitters sure ain't gold
There's so many things about me you can't see
Before I step out of that limo
Times I'm weepin' like a willow
So I'm givin' you some advice for free

Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
And throw it away
Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
And throw it away

I had to crawl and crawl to get here
From the one year to the next year
Kissin' ass, metaphorically
I been workin' three jobs
Losin' sleep an' workin' cheap
An' ev'ry mutha in this business took advantage of me

And when I'd fin'lly start to make it
Paid my favours, had to take it
Put my conscience in a stowaway place
Dirty tricks as I competed
All the friends that I have cheated
Makes it harder each day to put a smile on my face

Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
And throw it away
Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
And throw it away

(Inst)

(Bridge)
Anythin' you want, go an' get it if you want it
It'll come your way, just wait an' see
But ev'rythin' comes at a price now, Baby
Except this advice that I'm givin' for free

As I got bitcher I got richer
Low down dirty in the picture
But I'm lookin' at ya, see you're still impressed
An' I've been preachin' like your mother
Into one ear out the other
Seems you got your own mind made up, I guess

So if you ask me was it worth it
I could say "no way it's worth it"
But I think you might just tell that I'd be lyin'
So if you really, really want it
Better go out there an' get it
Check out my perfect smile
Do ya think it's all worthwhile?

Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
Don't throw it away
Take a leaf out of my book (x3)
Don't throw it away

Take a leaf out of my book
It's on the news-stands today!