From Philip Roth to R Zimmerman

As you step out onto that Nobel stage
Spare a thought for the man who labors on the page
When you're standing in the spotlight where you've always been
I'll be alone with the pen, alone with the pen

When they lay that medal on your crooked heart
Cast your eyes to the heavens in the name of art
I could send a card but I believe you know
It's just another show, another show

And all the time and the tears and blood
Were like a stream that flows free from the mud
When it's over and we've turned to dust
They'll say you wore the laurel for the rest of us

You know I used to be the best, I used to be the champ
Now I pick through my past like a hungry tramp
When I meet your eyes above the oil drum flame
I see the price of fame, the price of fame

I'm gonna raise a glass tonight to you up there
From some hotel bedspread in my underwear
I could say it's luck the way you got there first
But denial's the worst, it's the worst

And all the time and the tears and blood
Were like a stream that flows free from the mud
When it's over and we've turned to dust
They'll say you wore the laurel for the rest of us

Spartacus