[Verse 1]
The curtain goes up
As the lights go dim
The opening act takes the stage
The applause is polite
They're not waiting for him
And he knows he's at least twice their age

[Verse 2]
Took him two days to get there
His eyes tired and red
His gear in the back of his rig
His car is his dressing room
Office and bed
But at least he got him a gig

[Bridge]
He sings from his heart
And he keeps from cryin'
He knows it's a young man's game
He's making a livin'
While the crowd's all dyin'
To hear the headliner's name

[Pre-Chorus]
And as he continues to play
He can hear the audience say
[Chorus]
It's time to go
This ain't no variety show
We're sure you were someone
Someone would know
But buddy, it's time to go

[Verse 3]
As he packs his things
He can hear from the wings
The audience singing along
They know every word
They know every line
And he wonders what he did wrong

[Pre-Chorus]
As the stage door closes behind
He sings what's been on his mind

[Chorus]
It's time to go
This ain't no variety show
We're sure you were someone
Someone would know
But buddy, it's time to go
Oh buddy, it's time to go