Paid
Eric Benét Feat. Eddie Levert Lyrics
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Just the cost of livin' pullin' me down
I try to stay above water
But these bills got me, 'bout to drown
I can't keep livin' this life
Robbed and beat up but still
I just been fightin' this fight
I'll keep a positive mind
But it's hard to flow
When your cash is low
I'm workin' days and nights
Still I can't get up out of this hole
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And struggle all through the middle
Every month I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And struggle all through the middle
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Ain't nothin' movin' 'cause I keep losin'
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Ain't nothin' movin' 'cause I keep losin'
They make us know that they own us
Though I swear it's more than slavery
They give each other a bonus
While our children live in poverty
What a shame, what a shame
I keep on teachin' my kids
You work hard, you'll go far in this life
But the reality is
I'm slavin' on to the bone to survive
I'd like to take you away, girl
But I just can't see
How that's gonna be
Don't like to slave in this way, girl
Somebody, set her free
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And struggle all through the middle
Every month I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
(Workin' hard, workin' quite hard)
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And then I struggle through the middle
Every month I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And struggle all through the middle
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Not for me, not for me
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Ain't nothin' movin', I keep losin'
I'll keep a positive mind
But it's hard to flow
When your cash is low
I'm workin' days overtime
Still I can't get up out of this hole
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
And struggle all through the middle
Every month I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
On my back strugglin'
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
I just struggle through the middle
Every month I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
On my back strugglin', strugglin'
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Not a damn thing movin', no
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Baby, baby
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Ain't nothin' movin' 'cause I keep losin'
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Money, money, M O N E Y
The song "Paid" by Eric Benét featuring Eddie Levert is about the struggle of living paycheck to paycheck and not being able to get ahead financially. The lyrics describe the frustration of working hard and still not having enough money to make ends meet. The artist talks about the struggles of trying to keep a positive mindset but how the constant struggle to make ends meet makes it difficult. The song also touches on the idea of systematic oppression and how the rich get richer while those in poverty are stuck in a never-ending cycle.
The lyrics also highlight the artist's determination to give his children a better life and instill values of hard work and perseverance. He acknowledges the harsh reality of being overworked and underpaid, but still tries to hold onto hope that things will get better.
The repetition of the phrase "paid on the first, paid on the last, and struggle all through the middle" emphasizes the cyclical nature of poverty and how it is a constant struggle. The use of "M O N E Y" instead of the word "money" in the chorus adds a sense of urgency and desperation to the lyrics.
Overall, "Paid" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of working-class individuals and the cyclical nature of poverty.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day it gets harder
The struggle to make ends meet becomes more difficult each day.
Just the cost of livin' pullin' me down
The high expenses associated with living are overwhelming and causing stress.
I try to stay above water
Making an effort to stay afloat financially.
But these bills got me, 'bout to drown
Bills are causing a financial burden and making it difficult to make ends meet.
I can't keep livin' this life
The current financial situation is unsustainable and unhealthy.
Robbed and beat up but still
Despite the financial obstacles, still determined to keep going.
I just been fightin' this fight
Continuously facing financial struggles and trying to overcome them.
But I don't know what's the point of it all
Questioning the purpose of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet.
I'll keep a positive mind
Trying to maintain a positive attitude despite the financial struggles.
But it's hard to flow
It's difficult to be optimistic when there's financial stress and strain.
When your cash is low
The lack of money makes it challenging to meet financial obligations.
I'm workin' days and nights
Putting in long hours and overtime to make more money.
Still I can't get up out of this hole
Despite the effort, the financial hole seems difficult to get out of.
Because I gets paid on the first, paid on the last
Getting paid twice a month and struggling financially in between paychecks.
And struggle all through the middle
The time between paychecks is a financial struggle.
M O N E Y never seem to multiply for me
Money seems to disappear rather than accumulate.
Ain't nothin' movin' 'cause I keep losin'
Financial progress is difficult to make when experiencing consistent setbacks and difficulties.
They make us know that they own us
Feeling trapped and controlled by the system and those in power.
Though I swear it's more than slavery
The struggles faced are similar to the oppression experienced during slavery times.
They give each other a bonus
Those in power continue to reap rewards while the working class struggles financially.
While our children live in poverty
The children of working-class families often struggle financially as well.
What a shame, what a shame
Expressing disappointment and sadness about the ongoing financial struggles.
I keep on teachin' my kids
Teaching the next generation the value of hard work and perseverance despite setbacks.
You work hard, you'll go far in this life
Emphasizing the importance of working hard to achieve financial stability and success.
But the reality is
Despite the lesson taught, the reality of financial difficulties suggests otherwise.
I'm slavin' on to the bone to survive
Working hard and tirelessly to make ends meet for survival.
I'd like to take you away, girl
Desiring to provide a better life and financial stability for a loved one.
But I just can't see
Feeling pessimistic about the chances of financial success and stability.
How that's gonna be
Questioning how financial prosperity can be attained given the ongoing struggles.
Don't like to slave in this way, girl
Disliking the financial struggles and stress experienced on a daily basis.
Somebody, set her free
Asking for help and relief from the ongoing financial difficulties and stress.
On my back strugglin'
Continuing to face financial struggles and difficulties.
Not for me, not for me
Money seems difficult to come by and accumulate for the person.
Baby, baby
Expressing frustration and helplessness about the ongoing financial struggles.
Workin' hard, workin' quite hard
Emphasis on the continuous effort and work required to make ends meet.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIC BENET JORDAN, GEORGE T. JR. NASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind