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

Don't let the record label take you out to lunch
you're the one who's gotta 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 flatteries to recharge your batteries
And don't let showmanship become 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'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 a television
Oh it takes so much strength just not to suck,
and not to be a cynic looking for another gimmick.
But you are distraught at the thought of losing everything again
then they say it's not the way you play the game it's if you win
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
cuz every sip of soup has gotta get recouped
Then you get a good review and then you get a bad review
but don't get suckered either way cuz none of them know you
And don't let the record label take you out to lunch
cuz 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've got a lot to do
And that it takes big heart to make great great art,
and I'm just a little dot in a 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 the more than they need you
so don't bite the hand that feeds you
Everyone has been fair and nice, you consider them a friend
but everything still has its price and you don't wanna overspend
Cuz it's your wallet and your soul when the check comes in the end
so 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.