When they found you, you were driven and hungry
You were playin' for your life then
You were livin' for the chance to be heard
What they promised, what they offered
Was more than you'd ever hoped for
To walk away, ya' know that would've been absurd
And talk about absurdity, it was madness
It was everything in excess
It was too much, too many, and too little time
It was faceless people in jackets and ties
Who thought of you when they made love to their wives
Somehow, it wasn't what you had in mind

Tell 'em you're takin' it back
So they might as well get used to the idea
You're takin' it back, those cooperation days are over
You got no one to blame but yourself
So don't put it on nobody else
Put it behind you, start over, today

There were parties and photos and televised award shows
And covers of magazines
There was gold and platinum and everyone was smiling
You were coming apart at the seems
There were jerk offs too numerous to mention
When everybody shared the dream
But when it came time to share the nightmare
They were conveniently nowhere to be seen

Tell 'em you're takin' it back
So they might as well get used to the idea
You're takin' it back, those cooperation days are over
You got no one to blame but yourself
So don't put it on nobody else
Put it behind you, start over, today

Oh they'll argue what they gave you was exactly what you wanted
And just to be fair, ya' know that some of it's true
That's why ya' gotta be careful, 'bout your wishes
Take your time and think 'em over
Sometimes those wishes just might come true

Tell 'em you're takin' it back
So they might as well get used to the idea
You're takin' it back, those cooperation days are over
Tell 'em you've had enough, and if they don't like it it's tough
You're takin' it back, those cooperation days are over
You're takin' it back
Tell 'em you're takin' it back