Look, I've spent a lot of time working on this

And I believe in it (No one's gonna buy it)

(No one) Well, well, how do, how can you–

(Nobody in middle America, anyway, that's for sure)

(He's right) Well, what, why, I mean

(Sweetheart, it's just not commercial)

What is commercial, anyway? (It's not what's selling nowadays)

(I mean, personally, I love it)

Be nice, girl (nobody's into this kind of material)

You have to pay a price, girl (This album needs a hit single We could push)

They like to give advice, girl (The whole idea is too risky)

They never think about it twice, girl (The audience won't understand this kinda thing)

It's time to get to work

I disagree

Why don't you wait 'til you hear it?

(This is like your old stuff)

Art isn't easy (We gotta appeal to the kids)

Even when you're hot (Why would you wanna make an album like this, anyway?)

Advancing art is easy (I thinking we oughta talk seriously about this)

Financing it is not (Why take chances?)

A vision's just a vision if it's only in your head (Nobody respects your artistic integrity more than I do, but–)

If no one gets to hear it, it's as good as dead (You have to think about your career)

It has to come to life

Bit by bit, putting it together

Piece by piece, only way to make to make a work of art

Every moment makes a contribution

Every little detail plays a part

Having just the vision's no solution

Everything depends on execution

Putting it together

That's what counts

Ounce by ounce, putting it together

Small amounts adding up to make a work of art

First of all, you need a good foundation

Otherwise, it's risky from the start

Takes a little cocktail conversation

But, without the proper preparation

Having just the vision's no solution

Everything depends on execution

The art of making art

Is putting it together, bit by bit

(Do we really need all these musicians?)

Link by link, making the connections

Yes we do!

Drink by drink, taking every comment as it comes

Learning how to play the politician

Like you play piano, bass and drums

Otherwise, you'll find your composition

Isn't gonna get much exhibition

Art isn't easy

Every minor detail is a major decision

Have to keep things in scale

Have to hold to your vision (Why don't we talk about this over dinner, darling?)

What's a little cocktail conversation

If it gets the funds for your foundation?

Every time I start to feel defensive

I remember vinyl is expensive (Would you agree to do an interview?)

Maybe one

Dot by dot, building up the image

Shot by shot, keeping at a distance doesn't pay

Still, if you remember your objective

Not give all your privacy away

A little bit of hype can be effective

Long as you can keep it in perspective

Even when you get some recognition

Everything you do, you still audition

Art isn't easy

Overnight you're a trend

You're the right combination

Then the trend's at an end

You're suddenly last year's sensation

All they ever want is repetition

All they really like is what they know

Gotta keep a link with your tradition

Gotta learn to trust your intuition

While you re-establish your position

So that you can be on exhibi–

So that your work can be on exhibition

Be new, girl

They tell you 'til they're blue, girl

You're new or else you're through, girl

And, even if it's true, girl

You do what you can do

Bit by bit, putting it together

Piece by piece, working out the vision night and day

All it takes is time and perseverance

With a little luck along the way

Putting in a personal appearance

Gathering supporters and adherents (She's an original) (Was)

Mapping out the songs, but, in addition

Harmonizing each negotiation

Balancing the part that's all musician

With the part that's strictly presentation

Balancing the money with that mission

'Til you have the perfect orchestration

Even if you do have the suspicion

That it's taking all your concentration

The art of making art

Is putting it together, bit by bit

Beat by beat, part by part

Sheet by sheet, chart by chart

Track by track, reel by reel (Bit by bit, pout by pout)

Step by step, meal by meal (Snit by snit, shout by shout)

Deal by deal, spiel by spiel (Spat by spat, doubt by doubt)

That is the state of the art