Cheap Reward
Elvis Costello Lyrics
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So be prepared to sweep me out the door
And I might be horizontal by the time the music ceases
So I think I'll get acquainted with the floor
Oh, I was trying to get away from the things that I always do
Hello, floorboards once again--how are you?
Well, how could you believe I'll take you seriously?
With your cheap rewards, your blackmail, and your comical rage
Just remember you'll only be the boss so long as you pay my wage
All the sign posts on this road that point one way
Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes
I'll turn the light out now 'cause there`s nothing more to say
And it's all been lost before so there`s nothing to lose
Oh, but you could say that you love me very painlessly
I would've done the same for you, oh, but you said to me:
Lip service--well, that's all you'll ever get from me
Well, how could you believe I'd take you seriously?
With your cheap rewards, your blackmail, and your comical rage
Just remember you'll only be the boss so long as you pay my wage
Just remember you'll only be the boss so long as you pay my wage
The lyrics of Elvis Costello's song "Cheap Reward" refer to a dysfunctional relationship where one partner is repeatedly mistreating the other. The song starts with the singer acknowledging he might fall apart due to his emotions and mentions he might end up on the floor. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling so overwhelmed by the situation that he might lose control or even become physically ill. The next lines imply that he has been in this situation before, trying to escape from his own behavior patterns. He speaks directly to the floor, as if it was the only reliable constant in his life, and greets it like an old friend.
The chorus is a warning to the partner, asserting that lip service will no longer be enough to get the singer's attention. The partner is accused of using "cheap rewards" and "blackmail" to manipulate him, with "comical rage" as his only tool to command power. The chorus then serves to remind the partner that he is only in charge for as long as he can pay the singer's wage. All of this implies there is a power dynamic in the relationship, with the singer feeling like he is being taken advantage of and unable to leave due to financial dependence. The final lines suggest that he is resigned to the situation, implying that the relationship is beyond saving.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, well, I feel so loose tonight I might fall to pieces
I am incredibly intoxicated and feel like I might lose control at any moment
So be prepared to sweep me out the door
Please be ready to usher me out of here if I become too unruly
And I might be horizontal by the time the music ceases
I may end up lying on the ground by the time the song is over
So I think I'll get acquainted with the floor
I'll take this opportunity to make friends with the ground
Oh, I was trying to get away from the things that I always do
I was attempting to break free of my usual behavior patterns
Hello, floorboards once again--how are you?
Hello floor, I seem to find myself in your company quite often
Lip Service--well, that's all you'll ever get from me
I am not interested in insincere talk or flattery
Well, how could you believe I'll take you seriously?
Why would anyone think I would take them seriously when they offer nothing of value?
With your cheap rewards, your blackmail, and your comical rage
Your attempts to control or manipulate me with rewards, threats, or exaggerated emotions are laughably ineffective
Just remember you'll only be the boss so long as you pay my wage
Don't forget that while you are paying my salary, you are in charge, but only for as long as the payments continue
All the sign posts on this road that point one way
Every indicator on this path is leading in the same direction
Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes
Don't try to act superior to me, just focus on the ground beneath your feet
I'll turn the light out now 'cause there's nothing more to say
I'm ending this conversation because there's no point in continuing
And it's all been lost before so there's nothing to lose
Since everything has been lost in the past, there's no need to worry about losing anything further
Oh, but you could say that you love me very painlessly
You could try to express your love for me in a straightforward and easy way
I would've done the same for you, oh, but you said to me:
I would reciprocate your affection, but you previously indicated that you were not interested
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind