Fifteen Minutes of Fame [Damn Yankees, featuring Tommy Shaw]

Fifteen Minutes of Fame
Written by Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades, Ted Nugent
Lead Vocals by Tommy Shaw

Young, rich and famous
What you want to be
You give it everything you got
But your sympathy
Been with everybody in the magazines
You know you're spinning so fast
That you're running out of fantasies

What you want is
What you need is
What you're willing to be
It's so strange
You feel so insane
It's like--who's that talking to me

Here's your 15 minutes of fame
What you gonna give me
To ease the pain
When it's all over
Won't know your name
Here's your 15 minutes of fame

No satisfaction
Your simple creed
You know you pour in everyone you got
Just to fill the need
No doubt you're witness
To a major scene
But you better not lose your touch
Or you're history

What you want is
What you need is
What you're willing to be
It's so strange
You feel so insane
It's like--who's that talking to me

Here's your 15 minutes of fame
It's a risky business
It's a liar's game
Into the spotlight and out again
Come and get your 15
Your 15 minutes of fame

15 minutes of fame
What you gonna give me
To ease the pain
When it's all over
Won't know your name
Here's your 15 minutes of fame

Here's your 15 minutes of fame
It's a risky business
It's a liar's game
Into the spotlight and out again
Come and get your 15
Your 15 minutes of fame

Interpretation

The rapid rise and fall of celebrities is often called "15 minutes of fame" since it is so short-lived. People thrust into the spotlight often turn to alcohol or other drugs "to ease the pain."  They end up in the tabloids after having flings with other celebrities, and while living what many would consider a fantasy, they find themselves empty. After awhile, they don't even know themselves any more. It's like witnessing a crime firsthand. Don't lose touch with who you really are, or you may lose yourself forever.