Dollar Ditch
Dollar Ditch: The Price of Passion
Lyrics
Your set was really rad, the kids went off like mad
Your performance was excellent, and the audience was enthusiastic.
But the news I have is bad
Unfortunately, I have some unfavorable news to share.
He tells me with a sigh, with your portion of the pie
The speaker is informed with disappointment that their share of the earnings goes to pay the sound technician.
We pay the sound guy
After expenses, the band has to cover the sound guy's payment.
Sell tickets in advance and you might get the chance
Selling tickets in advance may give you the opportunity to witness your fans enthusiastically participating in slamdancing.
To watch your fans slamdance
At the price of fifteen dollars per person on a Wednesday night, the turnout is not impressive, and the organizers keep most of the profits.
At fifteen bucks a head on a Wednesday night that's dead
The hope of making a significant profit on a weekday is minimal.
Then they pocket all the bread
Promoters take a large share of the earnings.
We drive around the country, I play guitar and sing
The band travels extensively, performing while earning less than a Burger King employee.
And make less money then a guy at Burger King
Income barely covers travel expenses, and there's no chance of becoming wealthy.
It barely covers gas and there's no hope of getting rich
Promoters deceive and leave the band financially struggling.
Promoters steal are money, leave us in the dollar ditch
Turnout for shows is low, and the speaker doesn't actively promote them.
The turnout's kind of low, I thought you guys should know
The speaker informs that minimal effort is put into promoting shows to avoid being a bother.
That I don't promote my show
There's a desire to compensate bands with food, but the idea is abandoned due to their delayed arrival.
I hate to be a pest, so a post or two at best
Expressing a reluctance to sound rude, the speaker points out the absence of a metal scene in the town.
And the bands can do the rest
The band continues to struggle financially, playing music and singing while earning less than fast-food workers.
We thought it would be great to pay bands with a food plate
Despite the financial hardships, the band throws whatever money they have into a metaphorical "dollar ditch."
But you guys showed up too late
A request for a small financial favor, expressing frustration with the challenging situation.
Yeah you missed the free cuisine
The band feels they are paying just to perform, facing the possibility of not making any money.
I hope this doesn't sound to mean
Despite enjoying the experience, it's difficult to make money if ego interferes.
But this town has no metal scene
The speaker rejects the idea of compromising for the sake of money.
We drive around the country, I play guitar and sing
A pause in the lyrics, possibly indicating a musical break or transition.
And make less money then a guy at Burger King
Describing a situation where efforts fall short and are belatedly reported in the music scene.
It barely covers gas and there's no hope of getting rich
Highlighting the struggle to make a profit and facing obstacles in the music industry.
We throw all of our money deep inside the dollar ditch
Conveying frustration at the financial challenges faced by musicians, emphasizing the difficulty of making money.
Can I borrow ten bucks?
An explicit request for a small financial loan, expressing the dire circumstances the band is facing.
Man this shit it really sucks
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current situation and its challenges.
Sometimes it feels like we're just paying to play
Feeling like paying to perform without significant financial gain.
You can have a great time and never make a fucking dime
Highlighting the potential for a positive experience without financial returns if ego is set aside.
If your ego doesn't get in the way
An explicit rejection of the idea, emphasizing frustration and resistance to compromise for financial gain.
Fuck that
An expression of strong disagreement or rejection of a previous statement.
Beat
Possibly indicating a beat or musical interlude in the song.
A day late and a dollar short
Describing a situation of being delayed and financially disadvantaged, featured in a scene report.
The headline of the scene report
Reiterating the challenging financial situation, possibly with a sense of resignation.
Beat
Another indication of a beat or musical transition in the song.
Tapped out trying to make a buck
Expressing being depleted in efforts to make money, possibly facing obstacles in their musical pursuits.
The show's shut down your out of luck
Highlighting the unfortunate situation where a show is canceled, leaving the band without luck.
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