Lyrics Don't Let the Record Label Take You Out to Lunch - Jeffrey Lewis

Don't Let the Record Label Take You Out to Lunch

Don’t let the record label take you out to lunch
You’re the one that’s got to pay at the end of the day
And try not to want people to like you too much
You’ll just need more and more flattery to recharge your batteries
And don’t let showmanship become more important than honesty
If you don’t want to be so many things you see
You don’t have to act crazy to do something amazing
You can be just like you should and still do something really good
And even when you know there’s nobody listening
Say it to yourself because it’s good to your health
I know nothing makes sense if you think too much
Religion, a pigeon, radios and television
Though it takes so much strength just not to suck
And not to be a cynic but defer another gimmick
But you are distraught at the thought of losing everything again
And they say it’s not the way you play the game but if you win
But don’t let the record label take you out to lunch
Because every sip of soup is going to get recouped
And you get a good review and then you get a bad review
But don’t get suckered either way because none of them know you
But don’t let the record label take you out to lunch
Because they’ll call you a cab and put it on your tab
I’m leaving town for a while but I’ll be in touch
One thing that I know is true is that I got a lot to do
And that it takes big heart to make great great art
And I’m just a little dot in the great big pot
But now that I have started and it’s hard to stop
I’m wondering at night about the wrong and right
And is someone your savior if you owe them back a favor
No they are not, so there’s only one choice that you got
Don’t let the record label take you out to lunch
Though the fishes look delicious someone’s got to do the dishes
People might say you’re insane or just looking to complain
And you need them the more than they need you
So don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Everyone has been fair and nice and you consider them a friend
But everything still has a pricing you don’t want to overspend
Because it’s your wallets and your soul when the check comes in the end
No matter what the situation, art, love, or occupation
I’ll hold off on the hors d’oeuvres, it is not what I’m in it for
I only want what I deserve, I want no less, I want no more