[Verse 1]
When I was just sixteen I stood waiting for a dream
At Barker Street bus station every night
When I tried to get it on she just looked at me with scorn
My courage turned to dust and I took flight
For those looks they seemed to say you ain't nothing, go away
You're just a face in the crowd so I went home and I vowed
I'm gonna be somebody someday

[Verse 2]
Her name was Irene Wilde, oh such beauty for a child
When she started dating boys I nearly died
For I could not barely stand seeing someone hold her hand
I felt I had to crawl away and hide
Oh in my mother's living room I composed so many tunes
All the same, just a frame for her name, and just to say
I'm gonna be somebody someday

[Bridge]
Wilde as your name, I soon left that country town
I been around, I've seen some fame, seen some ups and seen some downs
Smile through your shock as you hear your name aloud
It's that face in the crowd, I didn't dig it, much too proud

[Verse 3]
When I was just sixteen, I stood waiting for a queen
A Barker Street bus station non-affair
At the time it seemed so sad, but it did not turn out bad
If you hadn't messed me up I'd still be there
And I think most folks agree, a little put-down makes them see
They ain't no chain, they're just a link and that's why you made me think
Gonna be somebody, be somebody
Be somebody someday