You think that the way to move up in this town Is to bring everyone else around you down You're climbing a ladder with rubber rungs And nobody cares what you think you have done Faking successes with all the excesses You're quite the man, such an empty man Your country club life looks so shallow and grim Making your moves as you try to fit in Assuming a status you think others lack Ignoring old friends and turning your back For thoroughbred horses and eighteen hole courses You're an empty man, such an empty man Faking successes with all the excesses You're quite the man, such an empty man You worked in old New York to try to fit in The doors were all closed to your kith and kin You fed the fire and fanned all the flames You've lost all your old friends by playing new games Faking successes with all the excesses You're quite the man, such an empty man Faking excesses is what we expected You're quite the man, you're an empty man Empty Empty man