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

Don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
you're the one who'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 get more important than honesty,
if you don't want to be so many singers 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 is nobody listening,
just say it to yourself coz it's good for 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 looking for another gimmick.
But you're 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,
coz every sip of soup is gonna to get recouped.
And you get a good review and then you get a bad review,
but don't get suckered either way coz none of them know you.
And don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
coz 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 I know is true is that I got a lot to do.
And 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 somebody your savior if you owe them back a favor,
no they're 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 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 price and you don't want to overspend.
Coz it's your wallet and your soul when the cheque comes in the end,
no matter what the situation art, love, occupation,
I'll hold off on the hors d'oeuvres, that's not what I'm in it for,
I only want what I deserve, I want no less, I want no more.