A Sermon lyrics

When you reach number ten

And think the struggle ends

But it ain't the end

It's only a trend

You have to unbend

'Cause it's only a trend

Don't lose all your friends

Don't make heroes end

When you reach number eight it ain't no pearly gate

'Cause it won't satiate your growing appetite

You can ply your trade and push your crusade

Emancipate or indoctrinate, but the

Traps are all laid for and honest crusade

Your old values will fade as you struggle to make the grade

As you struggle to make the grade

(As you struggle to make the grade)

(You needn't bother)

When you hit number four you're almost through the door

But there's a whole lot more you just can't ignore

The telephone's sure, you know the score

But don't let this uproar dissipate your encore

It's written in the news how you paid your dues

But you've no excuse for the people you abuse

When you reach number one you can beat your drum

You can sack your roadies in Birmingham

When your record is platinum, you can stick it to the bath

To the wall like you've always planned

It's written in the news how you paid your dues

But you've no excuse for the people you abuse

• Artist:The Police
• Album:Flexible Strategies (2018)