Michael Ball: Sunset Boulevard

Sure, I came out here
To make my name
Wanted my pool, my dose of fame
Wanted my parking space at Warners'.


But, after a year
A one-room hell
A murphy bed
A rancid smell
Wallpaper peeling at the corners


Sunset Boulevard
Twisting boulevard
Secretive and rich, a little scary.


Sunset Boulevard
Tempting boulevard
Waiting there to swallow the unwary.


Dreams are not enough
To win a war
Out here they're always keeping score
Beneath the tan, the battle rages.


Smile a rented smile
Fill someone's glass
Kiss someone's wife
Kiss someone's ass
We do whatever pays the wages.


Sunset boulevard
Headline boulevard
Getting here is only the beginning.


Sunset boulevard
Jackpot boulevard
Once you've won you have to go on winning.


You think I've sold out?
Dead right I've sold out.
I just keep waiting
For the right offer:
Comfortable quarters,
Regular Rations,
24-hour five-star room service.


And if I'm honest
I like the lady
I can't help being
Touched by her folly.
I'm treading water,
Taking her money,
Watching her sunset...
Well, I'm a writer.


L.A.'s changed a lot
Over the years
Since those brave gold rush pioneers
Came in their creaky covered wagons.


Far as they could go
End of the line,
Their dreams were yours
Their dreams were mine
But in those dreams
Were hidden dragons.


Sunset Boulevard
Frenzied boulevard
Swamped with every kind of false emotion.


Sunset Boulevard
Brutal boulevard
Just like you, we'll wind up in the ocean.


She was sinking fast
I threw a rope
Now I have suites
And she has hope
It seemed an elegant solution.


One day this must end,
It isn't real
Still I'll enjoy
A hearty meal
Before tomorrow's execution.


Sunset Boulevard
Ruthless boulevard
Destination for the stony-hearted.


Sunset Boulevard
Lethal boulevard
Everyone's forgotten how they started
Here on Sunset Boulevard!