But it helps to, it helps to
Fools and charlatans, since they may get wise
But only cream and bastards rise
Yeah, you can see it in their eyes

You follow good advices to the letter
You know your friend
He's doing so much better than you
Are ever likely to do, he'll eclipse you
But he will not miss you

You don't have to be a genius
But it helps to, it helps to
All the also-rans are real nice guys
But only cream and bastards rise

People who could buy and sell you
Sharing a joke that they will never tell you
You think you're dialed in, someone has to win
And you know what that means
That means someone's got to lose
It's probably you, oh, it's probably you, oh

It's not a race, it's not a competition
And if it were, you'd be in no position
To get them to listen to you if you had to
Not even if your life depended on it

You don't have to be a genius
But it helps to, it helps to
Some are aliens, the rest are spies
But only cream and bastards rise
Yeah, you can see it in their eye