[Spoken Intro: Jim]
[Jim:] This is some live rock and roll at K.A.O.S., where rock and roll comes out of chaos and a song called… “The Powers That Be”!

[Hook: Backup singers]
(The powers that be, the powers that be, the powers that be…)

[Verse 1: Roger Waters]
They like a tough game, no rules
Some you win, some you lose
Competition, good for you
To die, to be free
They're the powers that be
They like a bombproof Cadillac
Air-conditioned, gold taps
Back seat gun rack
Platinum hubcaps
They pick horses for courses
They're thе market forces
(Nice car, Jack!)
Thеy like order, make-up
Limelight, power
Game shows, rodeos
Star Wars, TV
They're the powers that be
If you see them come
[Chorus: Roger Waters, Backup singers]
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home

[Bridge: Paul Carrack, Roger Waters]
Sisters of Mercy better join with your brothers (brothers)
Put a stop to the soap opera right now (yeah)
They say the toothless get ruthless
You better run on home

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus: Roger Waters, Backup singers]
You better run, run
You better run on home

[Break: Backup singers]
(The powers that be, the powers that be, the powers that be…)

[Verse 2: Roger Waters, Backup singers]
They like treats, tricks
Carrots and sticks
(The powers that be…)
They like fear and loathing
(The powers that be…)
They like sheep's clothing
(The powers that be…)
And blacked-out vans
Blacked-out vans
Contingency plans
They like death or glory (death or glory)
They love a good story
[Bridge: Paul Carrack, Roger Waters, Backup singers]
They love a good story
Sisters of Mercy better join with your brothers (Sisters of Mercy)
Put a stop to the soap opera state
They say the toothless get ruthless
Run home before it's too late

[Chorus: Paul Carrack, Roger Waters, Backup singers]
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run, run
You better run on home
You better run

[Spoken Outro: Jim & Billy]
[Billy:] Goodnight, Jim
[Jim:] Goodnight, Billy