A Self-made Man

David Byrne

We're living in a dump

Trying to figure out what sex we are



Exchanging chromosomes

Trying to bargain for a better future



Well I'll trade you my potential mental

illness for your bad teeth



How 'bout trading your sexy body for a

full head of hair



Well we can't predict the future

But we're trying to do the best that we can



My cards are on the table

I?m gambling ev'rything that I am



And some of us are hoping

To end up with a perfect life

I'll trade you ev'rything that I got

For the chance to be someone else



And what you see is what you get

And what you get is what you choose

And what I am

What you see

Is exactly what I chose to be



And now we got a black market

A black market in designer genes



The most beautiful, most intelligent

Criminals you've ever seen



And now you're payin' top dollar

For what you used to get for free



They'll stun you with their looks

And charm you with effortless ease



They've taken ev'rything from you

The way that you walk

The way that you smile

The sound of your voice



Don't even know

Who you are

Who are you now?

Who are you now?



I'm a self made man, I'm a self made man

I'm a self made man (I've got nothing left to give)

I'm a self made man (I've got nothing left to lose)



On down the hallway

The freaks are waiting for you

Somebody calls me

The freaks are waitin' for you

The clown will laugh in your face

Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho

The clown will laugh in your face

Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho

The clown will laugh in your face

Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho