Paid
Jason Lo Lyrics


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Early morning, wake-up call
You drink your coffee
Drink some more
All my friends have jobs and they get paid

Eye on the future, we drifted apart
You're making some money
You left me behind

She said, "That's okay as long as we've got it made"
That's okay as long as we get paid

Start at the end again and again

I am alone now
I've figured it out
We're caught on a merry-go-round
And it doesn't stop

And as I lay me down and pray




Oh God please judge me not by what I've won
And not what I've been paid

Overall Meaning

The song "Paid" by Jason Lo is a melancholic tune about the struggles of being left behind as friends and loved ones move forward in life. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is still trying to find their way, while their peers have already secured jobs and financial stability. The song touches on the theme of jealousy and envy, as the singer watches those around him succeed, while he is left behind. The line "All my friends have jobs and they get paid" highlights the singer's feelings of inadequacy, as though he is somehow not living up to society's expectations of success.


The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer muses on the notion that "That's okay as long as we get paid". This line refers to the idea that in today's society, success is often measured by financial gain. Even if you are not happy in your job or with your life, as long as you are making money, you are considered successful. However, the singer believes that this is not enough, and that there is more to life than just making a paycheck.


In the final verse of the song, the singer reflects on the cyclical nature of life, describing himself as being caught on a "merry-go-round" that never stops. He prays that God will not judge him by his wealth or financial success, but rather by the person he is and the things he has accomplished in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Early morning, wake-up call
The beginning of the day signals the start of work for many people


You drink your coffee
Perhaps coffee acts as a source of energy to start the day


Drink some more
One cup of coffee is not enough to power through the day


All my friends have jobs and they get paid
The artist's friends are employed and earn a salary for their work


Eye on the future, we drifted apart
Focusing on the future caused the artist and their partner to grow apart


You're making some money
The singer's partner is bringing in income


You left me behind
The singer's partner moved on without them


She said, "That's okay as long as we've got it made"
The partner is content as long as they have achieved their desired level of comfort


That's okay as long as we get paid
The priority is earning money, even if it means sacrificing other things


Start at the end again and again
A cycle of chasing material success and starting over once it's achieved


I am alone now
The singer is by themselves


I've figured it out
The artist has come to a realization


We're caught on a merry-go-round
The cycle of materialistic pursuits is a never-ending cycle


And it doesn't stop
The chase for success keeps going on


And as I lay me down and pray
The singer is taking a moment to reflect and pray


Oh God please judge me not by what I've won
The artist is asking to not be judged by their material possessions or wealth


And not what I've been paid
The artist is also asking to not be judged by their income




Contributed by Grace R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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