[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, they’ll guide your career for only ninety-five percent
Well, that leaves enough for fronts like three-piece suits and pays the rent
Sing the blues and pay your dues and not know who you are
Make you wonder why so many people want to be a star. Well

[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron with Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters]
Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant come-and-go business
Got you hanging out at places you got no business
And people sell their soul, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business. It’s all right with me
Yeah, it’s alright with me
Just as long as you know

[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
You’re only as important to them as your latest hit
That’s a precarious position for a plastic king to sit
Lawyers’ game is double same, your fate is in their hands
You’re a millionaire without a dime, you just don’t understand! Well

[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron with Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters]
Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant come-and-go business
Got you hanging out at places you got no business
And people sell their soul, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business. It’s all right with me
Yeah, it’s alright with me
Just as long as you know

[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Jumping down a ladder of success that runs both ways
And you see all the worst and best damn near everyday
Fans and fans and one-night stands will fill your mind with doubt
And on closing day, you’re lucky to say, “Down but still not out!” Well

[Chorus: Gil Scott-Heron with Background Vocals by Julia Waters, Marti McCall, and Maxine Waters]
Do you really want to be in show business?
The instant-high and constant come-and-go business
Got you proving exactly how much you don’t know business
And people sell their soul, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business, wanna be in show business
Wanna be in show business. It’s all right with me