There's no business like show business
Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra/Sammy Davis JR/The ratpack Lyrics

There's no business like show business like no business I know
The entertainment industry is incomparable to any other industry.

Everything about it is appealing, everything that traffic will allow
The glamour and excitement of show business is alluring, with every possible opportunity to succeed.

Nowhere could you get that happy feeling when you are stealing that extra bow
There's an indescribable joy that comes from the satisfaction of a great performance.

There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low
The performers in show business have a unique ability to maintain their positive attitude despite their difficulties.

Even with a turkey that you know will fold, you may be stranded out in the cold
Even if the show isn't good and the audience isn't receptive, the performers are willing to take the risk and face the consequences.

Still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold, let's go on with the show
Despite the potential risks and drawbacks of show business, the performers wouldn't trade it for anything.

The butcher, the baker, the grocer, the clerk
These are common jobs which are less glamorous than those in show business.

Are secretly unhappy men because
Despite the appearance of contentment, those in common jobs are often not happy.

The butcher, the faker, the grocer, the clerk
Repeating the previous line to emphasize this point.

Get paid for what they do but no applause
Those in common jobs don't receive the recognition or applause that performers in show business get.

They'd gladly bid their dreary jobs goodbye for anything theatrical and why?
Those in common jobs would trade their jobs for the excitement and glamour of show business if given the chance.

Traveling through the country is so thrilling, standing out in front on opening nights
Touring and performing in different locations is exciting, especially when performing for the first time in front of a new audience.

Smiling as you watch the theater filling, and there's your billing out there in lights
Seeing the audience arrive and the anticipation of the performance, combined with seeing one's own name in lights is thrilling.

Angels come from everywhere with lots of jack, and when you lose it, there's no attack
People with money are drawn to show business and can provide opportunities, and even if you lose their money, they are kind and won't hold it against you.

Where could you get money that you don't give back? Let's go on with the show
The money that performers get from generous benefactors is not something they have to return, which makes it all the more valuable to them.

You get word before the show has started that your favorite uncle died at dawn
Performers often receive bad news and sad events may occur leading up to a performance.

Top of that, your pa and ma have parted, you're broken-hearted, but you go on
In the face of personal tragedy and heartbreak, performers are still able to put on a great show.

Yesterday they told you you would not go far, that night you open and there you are
Despite being told they would not succeed, performers can still achieve greatness by putting on a great performance.

Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star, let's go on with the show!
After a great performance, performers may receive recognition in the form of a star on their dressing room door, which is a sign of success and encourages them to keep going.