His mind is lost in yesterday He's standing beneath a streetlight in L.A. It doesn't matter that I've lost everything I've done my best to give it all away I followed my American dream to a life of depression and poverty A story that many of you don't know I went from all American kid to a bum on the street in your neighborhood There's things about me that you don't know I came from small town U.S.A. I've had my share of failures along the way Although I know success is a measure in your mind You look at me now as I'm beggin' for a dime You feel you have the right to judge me I followed my American dream to a life of depression and poverty A story that many of you don't know I went from all American kid to a bum on the street in your neighborhood There's things about me that you don't know This is my story don't you see this could be every man All from some choices made not long ago This is my story don't you see this could be you man Why we make choices no one ever knows I followed my American dream I followed my American dream I followed my American dream I followed my American dream to a life of depression and poverty A story that many of you don't know I went from all American kid to a bum on the street in your neighborhood There's things about me that you don't know