"Sunset Boulevard" from "Sunset Boulevard"

JOE
Sure, I came out here to make my name,
Wanted my pool, my dose of fame,
Wanted my parking space at Warner's.
But after a year, a one-room hell,
A Murphy bed, a rancid smell,
Wallpaper peeling at the corners.
Sunset Boulevard, twisting boulevard,
Secretive and rich, a little scary.
Sunset Boulevard, temping boulevard,
Waiting there to swallow the unwary.
Dreams are not enough to win a war.
Out here they're always keeping score,
Beneath the tan the battle rages.
Smile a rented smile, fill someone's glass,
Kiss someone's wife, kiss someone's ass.
We do whatever pays the wages.
Sunset Boulevard, headline boulevard.
Getting here is only the beginning.
Sunset Boulevard, jackpot boulevard.
Once you've won you have to go on winning.
You think I've sold out? Dead right I've sold out!
I just keep waiting for the right offer!
Comfortable quarters, regular rations,
Twenty-four-hour, five star room service.
And if I'm honest, I like the lady.
I can't help being touched by her folly.
I'm treading water, taking the money,
Watching her sun set . . . Well, I'm a writer!
L.A.'s changed a lot over the years
Since those brave gold rush pioneers
Came in their creaky covered wagons.
Far as they could go, end of the line.
Their dreams were yours, their dreams are mine,
But in those dreams were hidden dragons.
Sunset Boulevard, frenzied boulevard,
Swamped with every kind of false emotion.
Sunset Boulevard, brutal boulevard.
Just like you, we'll wind up in the ocean.
She was sinking fast, I threw a rope.
Now I have suits and she has hope.
It seemed an elegant solution.
One day this must end, it isn't real.
Still I'll enjoy a hearty meal
Before tomorrow's execution.
Sunset Boulevard, ruthless boulevard,
Destination for the stony-hearted.
Sunset Boulevard, lethal boulevard,
Everyone's forgotten how they started
Here on Sunset Boulevard!