They talk of getting out of the valley Out of the valley here below Maybe ride the river and run off 'Cause there's no place left to go They talk of taking the sunshine Taking their bright eyes away Maybe make a move for the big time Watch it get harder every day They're told by the same empty faces Talk like dreams don't get you far Maybe make it over the mountains But you'll never make it in that car They talk of getting out of the valley You're set to make yourself a name Quit, come back soon and you'll marry Part of your fortune to your shame Ambition lights their cigarettes If they get out they don't look back It's ten deserve and one who gets So drink too much and dress in black You listen in the bars and the alleys You hear the fear under their voice No one out there owes you a living No one here here gives you any choice They talk of getting out of the valley And for some it's not too late You need a meanness to carry on Cast the master of your fate Until long after it matters You don't know if you're good enough You can bet your dreams will be battered So just go after what you love They talk of getting out of town This little city made of steel Take a giant step and don't look down Because I do know how you feel They talk of getting out of the valley Out of the valley here below Maybe ride the river and run off 'Cause there's no place left to go