[Verse 1]
As soon as you're born, they make you feel small
By giving you no time, instead of it all
Until the pain is so big, you feel nothing at all

[Chorus]
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be

[Verse 2]
They hurt you at home, and they hit you at school
They hate if you're clever, and despise a fool
Until you're so fucking crazy, you can't follow their rules

[Chorus]
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be

[Verse 3]
When they've tortured and scared you for 20-odd years
Then they expect you to pick a career
When you can't really function, you're so full of fear

[Chorus]
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be
[Verse 4]
They keep you doped up with religion and sex and TV
And you think you're so clever and classless and free
But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see

[Chorus]
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 5]
There's room at the top, they're telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
If you want to be like all the folks on the hill

[Chorus]
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be
A working-class hero is something to be

[Outro: John Lennon]
If you want to be a hero, well, just follow me
If you want to be a hero, well, just follow me