Payin' the Cost to be Boss
B.B King and friends Lyrics
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When I'm talking to you
You think you outta do baby
Anything you wanna do
You must be crazy baby
You just gotta be outta your mind
As long as I'm payin' the bills woman
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
I'll drink if I want to
And play a little poker too
Don't you say nothing to me
As long as I'm taking care of you
As long as I'm workin baby
And payin' all the bills
I don't want no mouth from you
About the way I'm supposed to live
You must be crazy woman
Just gotta be outta your mind
As long as I foot the bills
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
Now that you got me
You act like you ashamed
You don't act like my woman
You just usin' my name
I tell you I'm gonna have all the money
And I don't want no back-talk
Cause if you don't like the way I'm doin'
Just pick up your things and walk
You gotta be crazy baby
You must be outta your mind
As long as I'm payin' the bills woman
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
In the song "Payin' the Cost to be Boss" by B.B King and friends, the lyrics depict a man in a position of authority or power. The song's opening lines describe how the man's partner does not listen to him and seems to act recklessly, believing that she can do anything she wants. The man, however, challenges her behavior, stating that he is the one who pays the bills and takes financial responsibility for their relationship. He, therefore, suggests that he should be given the respect of a boss, and his partner must, therefore, accept his authority.
King's vocals combine with the guitar to create a powerful blues effect that emphasizes how much control the man has over the situation. The repetition of the phrase "I'm payin' the cost to be the boss" showcases how he is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain that control, possibly suggesting that his partner is not taking their relationship as seriously as he is. The man also mentions that he will drink and gamble if he wants, and his partner has no right to question him as long as he is working and supporting the relationship financially.
Overall, "Payin' the Cost to be Boss" showcases the struggles of maintaining power and authority within a relationship, particularly when one party is financially superior.
Line by Line Meaning
You act like you don't want to listen
You don't seem interested in hearing what I have to say
When I'm talking to you
When I am trying to communicate with you
You think you outta do baby
You appear to believe that you can do whatever you want
Anything you wanna do
Any action or decision you desire to make
You must be crazy baby
You seem irrational, and your thinking is incorrect
You just gotta be outta your mind
You seem to be acting in a way that is illogical and misguided
As long as I'm payin' the bills woman
As long as I am responsible for the payment of all expenses
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
It is my duty as a boss to bear the financial burden of the enterprise
I'll drink if I want to
I have the ability to consume alcohol if I desire to do so
And play a little poker too
I can also engage in the game of poker
Don't you say nothing to me
I do not want to hear any objections from you
As long as I'm taking care of you
As long as I am providing for your needs
As long as I'm workin baby
As long as I am employed and earning money
And payin' all the bills
And covering all of the expenses
I don't want no mouth from you
I do not want to hear any complaining or criticism from you
About the way I'm supposed to live
Regarding my lifestyle and how I choose to conduct myself
You must be crazy woman
You seem to be acting in an illogical and misguided manner
Just gotta be outta your mind
Your behavior seems irrational and illogical
As long as I foot the bills
As long as I am paying for everything
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
I am bearing the financial burden of being the one in charge
Now that you got me
Since you are with me now
You act like you ashamed
You appear to be embarrassed of me
You don't act like my woman
You are not behaving like how I expect my partner to act
You just usin' my name
You are only using my identity for your own purposes
I tell you I'm gonna have all the money
I have communicated to you that I intend to accumulate all the wealth
And I don't want no back-talk
I do not want to hear any negative commentary or objections from you
Cause if you don't like the way I'm doin'
If you are unhappy or dissatisfied with my actions and methods
Just pick up your things and walk
Please gather your belongings and leave
You gotta be crazy baby
You are acting irrational and illogical
You must be outta your mind
Your behavior seems misguided and irrational
As long as I'm payin' the bills woman
As long as I am covering all of the expenses
I'm payin' the cost to be the boss
I am bearing the financial responsibility of being in charge
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: B.B. KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind