you were trying to be cute
and it didn't work out
you were trying to be charming
and it didn't come off
you were trying to be clever
a big waste of time
you were trying to get rough
but you're waiting in line

Chorus:
you can't make it with the down boys
they don't hear a word you say
you can't make it with the down boys
just stay out of their way

you were trying to be sharp
but they couldn't wait
you were trying to be eternal
but that didn't rate
you were trying to be smooth
you're rough on the edges
you were trying to be hysterical
well i still ain't laughing

(chorus)

you were trying to be in
but they left you out
you were trying to be in
two different worlds
you were trying to be in
oscillation in shame
you were trying to be in
but you're lost in the game

(chorus)