money and power
celebrity and fame
a zillion-selling record
a household name
king of the mountain
riding the crest
these are the things
that constitute success
these are the things that I call success
more is more, any less is just less
till I get what I want I won’t get any rest
these are the things that I call success
my face on TV
in the music mags
my personal life splashed
in the gossip rags
let the whole world know
I couldn’t care less
it’s a small price to pay
for my long-craved success
these are the things ...
yeah, I could be humble
unpretentious and modest
and say I don’t need it
but hey, let’s be honest
this is the dream
I’ve been nursing so long
the bounty of the universe
for a top 40 song
a house full of clothes
a garage full of cars
a pool in the back
a romp with the stars
by talent or luck
up there with the best
that’s how I’ll measure
when I’ve reached success.
these are the things ...
©2024 The Hesh Inc.
We can all be modest and humble, and tell the world we really don't need all these material comforts as a reward for doing something well. And then we can drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and say, why only them, why not me? To be frank and honest ... I wouldn't mind some sort of fabulous remuneration for paying my dues and being modest about them for all these years. Just one hit song is all I need.
This song dates back to sometime in the early 2000s, before I actually considered moving to California. I guess back then I was thinking more of someplace like Rumson, NJ, or perhaps The Hamptons, NY. But once you've been to the West Coast, your orientation changes somewhat.