[Verse 1]
You looked around but it wasn't there
You can't ignore the voice of reason
You can't be what you want
So you better be what you are

[Verse 2]
You fought your way to an inch of freedom
You did your best and they didn't care
You've had your share and you have your reasons
You can't be what you want
So you better be what you are

[Chorus]
So we begin our story, beleaguered and taken down
Everybody wants a piece of what's going on
Afraid you'll become dull and boring in a suit that doesn't fit
Everybody wants a piece of what's going on

[Bridge]
You can't mean what you said
You're not sorry for a word of it
Everybody wants to get ahead
Now it's not too late to say you're sorry

[Verse 3]
You've backed yourself into a corner
You looked around and it wasn't there
You're such a sucker for superstition
You can't be what you are
So you better be what you want
[Chorus]
So we begin our story, beleaguered and taken down
Everybody wants a piece of what's going on
Afraid you'll become dull and boring in a suit that doesn't fit
Everybody wants a piece of what's going on

[Bridge]
You can't mean what you said
You're not sorry for a word of it
Everybody wants to get ahead
Now it's not too late to say you're sorry

[Outro]
You're alright
The compromise
You're alright
The compromise
You're alright
The compromise
You're alright, alright, alright, alright