Great Expectations

Written by Martin Nethercutt
©2026 Ruth McCartney Music Publishing, BMI

The Julie Strummer Theme

Verse 1

Neon halos in borrowed skies,
Promises dressed in gold,
Every dream has a price to pay,
Every story’s been sold.
You chase the echo of louder rooms,
Where silence never stays,
But every crown you try to wear
Still leaves you feeling small.

Pre-Chorus

They said the stars would know your name,
If you just learn to smile,
But every step upon that stage
Feels farther from your child.

Chorus

You have
Great Expectations
For a life in luxury
You’re eyes are fresh
You’re skin so smooth
For all the world to see

You have
Great Expectations
Ready for a life of wealth and fame
But the further you reach
The more that you preach
There’s a mirror just the same

Verse 2

Paper kingdoms, diamond doors,
Echoes in champagne,
Every “yes” is dressed as love,
Every love a chain.
You trade your shadow for the light,
That burns but doesn’t stay,
And every wish you swear you own
Still owns you anyway.

Pre-Chorus

Applause is just a lonely sound
When it fades too soon,
And even gods get tired of being
Someone they’re not meant to be.

Chorus (repeat)

You have
Great Expectations
For a life in luxury
You’re eyes are fresh
You’re skin so smooth
For all the world to see

You have
Great Expectations
Ready for a life of wealth and fame
But the further you reach
The more that you preach
There’s a mirror just the same

Bridge (darker, reflective)

What if the dream was never wrong,
Just wearing someone else’s face?
What if the crown is only thorns
In a brighter, prettier case?
When the lights go out, who’s left to blame
When even angels feel ashamed?

Final Chorus (bigger, emotional lift)

You had
Great Expectations
But the truth was whispering
That hearts don’t shine in spotlight lines,
They burn in quiet things

You had
Great Expectations
But grace was never part of the game
Now the further you fall
You finally call
Your own reflection by its name

Outro

No more mirrors made of gold,
No more borrowed flame,
In the ashes of ambition
You remember your own name.