In the trials of my youth, on my way to being man
There were caustic words of ill advice
I'd never understand
But their hometown dreams were shattered
When ambition foiled their plans
But you can't be the one who tries
They love to criticise
I know, or at least they'll try, c'mon!

Laughing is all that I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
'cos they got no life to live
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes but the shoes

In my one-man crusade doing what I knew was right
They would tempt me with the honest sweat
Of labour, love and life
And they only find respect for you
If you give up the fight
Oh but you can't be the one who tries
They'll cut you down to size
I know ... or at least they'll try, c'mon!

Laughing is all that I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
'cos they got no life to live
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes but the shoes, but the shoes

I wanna be there when you say you're wrong
I wanna be there when you crawl
I wouldn't piss on your opinions
And if I stand on top of the world
Then maybe I'll find somebody I know
And if I don't

Laughing is all that I can do
Trying to keep from falling through
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
They all got advice to give
'cos they got no life to live
Nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
Nothing ever changes but