[Verse 1]
I could be the driver in articulated lorry
I could be a poet, I wouldn't need to worry
I could be the teacher in a classroom full of scholars
I could be the sergeant in a squadron full of wallahs

[Refrain]
What a waste! What a waste!
What a waste! What a waste!

[Chorus]
Because I tried to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock'n'roll don't mind

[Verse 2]
I could be a lawyer with stratagems and ruses
I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises
I could be a writer with a growing reputation
I could be the ticket-man at Fulham Broadway station

[Refrain]
What a waste! What a waste!
What a waste! What a waste!

[Chorus]
Because I tried to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock'n'roll don't mind

[Verse 3]
I could be the catalyst that sparks the revolution
I could be an inmate in a long-term institution
I could lead to wild extremes, I could do or die
I could yawn and be withdrawn and watch them gallop by

[Refrain]
What a waste! What a waste!
What a waste! What a waste!

[Chorus]
Chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock'n'roll don't mind
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock'n'roll don't mind

[Outro]
Chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock'n'roll don't mind