In the early 2000s, Drive-Thru re-released (818) together with the unreleased songs as bonus tracks.
Shot My Boss
Cousin Oliver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of this nine to five
Barely getting by
Trying to survive
But I've got my kids
My rent
My credit cards
Who the hell can I blame for this?
Who the hell is going to pay for this?
Need solutions to my problems
Time to take action
Yeah, yeah
So I ask my boss for a raise
And he said NO WAY
What have you done
To deserve one?
But I got my kids
My rent
My credit cards
My car payment
I'm not the one to blame for this
I'm not going to pay for this
Need solutions to my problems
It's time to take action
I shot my boss
Look what I've done x4
Here they come
Yeah, they're coming for you x2
Here they come
Yeah, they're coming for you kid
Look what you did
Look what you did
But you got a couple alternatives
Go away quietly
Or set yourself free
Set yourself free
Top of the world ma
I shot my boss
Look what I've done x4
The lyrics to "Shot My Boss" by Cousin Oliver appear to be about a person who has reached their breaking point in their nine to five job, barely getting by and struggling to survive. Despite having kids to provide for and bills to pay, they feel like they are not being fairly compensated and seek a raise from their boss. However, their boss refuses and questions what they have done to deserve it. Frustrated and desperate for solutions, the singer takes action and shoots their boss. The chorus repeats the line "Look what I've done" four times, indicating a sense of both pride and regret over their actions.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the frustration and hopelessness that many people feel in their jobs, especially in a capitalist society that values profits over the well-being of workers. The singer feels like they have done everything right, but are still not able to make ends meet. When their boss denies them the raise they feel they deserve, they feel like they have no other choice but to take matters into their own hands.
Overall, the lyrics to "Shot My Boss" by Cousin Oliver showcase the darker side of the American Dream and the desperation that can come from trying to survive in a society that prioritizes profit over people.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've had enough
I'm tired of my current situation
Of this nine to five
My job isn't fulfilling or satisfactory
Barely getting by
Struggling financially
Trying to survive
Just trying to make it through each day
But I've got my kids
I have dependents who rely on me
My rent
Monthly housing payments
My credit cards
Debt accrued from daily expenses
My car payment
Monthly payments for my vehicle
Who the hell can I blame for this?
I am frustrated and looking for someone to blame
Who the hell is going to pay for this?
I am unable or unwilling to take responsibility for my financial situation
Need solutions to my problems
I am actively seeking to fix my situation
Time to take action
I am prepared to make a change
So I ask my boss for a raise
I am seeking better compensation from my employer
And he said NO WAY
My request for a raise was denied
What have you done
My boss questions my worth or contributions to the company
To deserve one?
My boss is not willing to give me a raise without valid reason
I'm not the one to blame for this
I refuse to accept responsibility for my financial problems
I'm not going to pay for this
I do not want to take responsibility for my financial situation
Here they come
The consequences of my actions are approaching
Yeah, they're coming for you
I am the one being held responsible for my actions
Look what you did
I am being made to face the consequences of my actions
But you got a couple alternatives
I have a few options to consider
Go away quietly
I can choose to walk away without confrontation
Or set yourself free
I have the option to take control of my life and free myself from my current situation
Top of the world ma
I am feeling triumphant, as if I have reached the top
I shot my boss
I took extreme measures to deal with my dissatisfaction
Look what I've done
I must now face the consequences of my actions and live with what I have done
Contributed by Caden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
screechingjosie
THANKS FOR THE UPLOAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
eric larson
Cousin Oliver was awesome!
Mark Lane
I still listen to cousin Oliver daily, still love them and mothermania and caught inside. They should have been way bigger really was the soundtrack to the best times of my life.
Mark Lane
@Chad Von Haden I even have back up copies of the repress still sealed in case something happens to my play copies! I think that means it was a success even if it burnt out quickly. Thanks so much for the music.
Chad Von Haden
@Mark Lane So glad you enjoyed the music and thank you for the kind words. Some things just weren't meant to last.
Mark Lane
Side note "day time tv talk shows" is the best.
Carmine234
I wonder whatever happened to cousin Oliver! I have their 818 CD and their original demo tape! Thanks for the upload
Carmine234
@Chad Von Haden Yeah no worry would be happy to transfer them if there comes a day anyone finds em
Thanks for ur reply hopefully i can get my hands on all of the demos, unless two is all there is
Chad Von Haden
@Carmine234 Well, I thought I had them uploaded but I don't. I contacted Ro (the singer) and he said those tapes are buried in storage somewhere. Sorry I couldn't be of more help but, thank you for being so supportive.
Carmine234
@Chad Von Haden Wow thx for responding Chad, you think you can let me hear them, cousin oliver is my favorite Drive Thru artist
if u can pls email me neirawilliam@aol.com
would like to hear what u got