Shelf Life
Unraveling Stardom: Decoding Love and Rockets' 'Shelf Life'
Lyrics
How many A&R men does it take to change a light bulb?
Questioning the competence or value of A&R men in the music industry.
I'll get back to you on that
Delaying a response, implying uncertainty or indifference.
How many spells and dollars does it take to make the magic
Questioning the cost and effort involved in creating magical moments in music.
Of pulling legends from your hat?
Referencing the seemingly effortless creation of legendary music.
Will they take another sucker for an undersell?
Concern about being taken advantage of or being undervalued.
Regarding them with compliments and muskatelle
Describing dealing with compliments and superficial gestures.
A honeymoon in Vegas in a plush hotel
Contrasting the allure of a Vegas honeymoon with the reality of the music industry.
Well, that's a sad town in the morning light
Expressing the somber reality of the music business in the morning light.
How many bullets in the back does it take
Questioning the harm done to artistic expression, possibly by the industry.
To kill a singing cowboy?
Suggesting the vulnerability and potential demise of a musician.
How much more of this bullshit can you take
Expressing frustration with the insincere or deceptive nature of industry dealings.
From the charming envoy?
Questioning the authenticity of a charming representative or messenger.
When you're making with the ballpoint on the dotted line
Describing the act of signing a contract and the questionable allure of success.
The Devil's in his heaven and your hair sublime
Alluding to the presence of negativity or deception even in seemingly heavenly situations.
You fit the mold for stardom and the big bells chime
Recognizing the conformity and glamour associated with stardom.
But it's gold leaf on a wild, wild, wind
Highlighting the superficial nature of success in the face of unpredictable challenges.
And they're serving up your future with a twist of lime
Describing the future served with irony or unexpected twists.
Paying you in dollars for the perfect crime
Commenting on the financial compensation for what might be considered unethical success.
And you're scratching off the silver for a nail of grime
Expressing the effort of maintaining success amidst challenges and degradation.
And pissing in that bitter wind
Portraying a bitter and harsh reality in the pursuit of success.
Last month's color you've passed your sell by date
Highlighting the transient nature of fame and the diminishing value over time.
And your days are numbered
Suggesting an impending end or decline in the artist's career.
What is you shelf life? What is you shelf life?
Posing repeated questions about the artist's shelf life, emphasizing the temporal aspect of success.
What is you shelf life? What is you shelf life?
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