Pay to Cum
Bad Brains (USA) Lyrics

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I make decision with precision
Lost inside this manned collision
Just to see that what is to be
Perfectly my fantasy

I came to know with now dismay
That in this world we all must pay
Pay to write, pay to play

Pay to cum, pay to fight

And all in time,
With just our minds
We soon will find
What's left behind

Not long ago when things were slow
We all got by with what we know
The end is near. Hearts filled with fear
Don't want to listen to what they hear

And so it's now we choose to fight
To stick up for our bloody right
The right to sing, the right to dance
The right is ours... We'll take the chance

A peace together
A piece apart

A piece of wisdom
From our hearts

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bad Brains' song "Pay to Cum" express frustration with the societal expectation of paying to achieve one's goals, whether that be paying to write or perform music, paying to participate in sports or conflict, or paying to experience sexual pleasure. The singer seems to feel trapped and limited by this system, seeing it as a collision of forces that keep them from achieving their perfect fantasy. They realize that everyone is subject to this system that demands payment for everything, and it fills them with fear and dread for the future.

Despite this fear, the singer and their community choose to resist this system by fighting for their right to express themselves through singing and dancing. They know that they may face consequences for their rebellion, but they are willing to take the chance because it is better than living in fear and complacency. The final lines of the song express a desire for unity and wisdom that comes from the heart, suggesting that the fight against a corrupt system can only be won when people come together and act from a place of love and understanding.

Overall, "Pay to Cum" is a rallying cry against a system that values material possessions above human creativity and freedom. The song encourages listeners to resist this system by fighting for their right to express themselves and to seek unity and wisdom in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

I make decision with precision
I make decisions carefully and exactly

Lost inside this manned collision
I am confused and disoriented in this chaotic situation

Just to see that what is to be
I'm doing all of this just to see my dreams come true

Perfectly my fantasy
My fantasy is a perfect reflection of my desires

I came to know with now dismay
Now I understand with disappointment

That in this world we all must pay
Everyone in this world has to pay for something

Pay to write, pay to play
We have to pay to create, to participate

Pay to cum, pay to fight
We even have to pay to express ourselves and fight for our rights

And all in time,
Eventually,

With just our minds
With only our thoughts

We soon will find
We will discover soon enough