Blues, rock, protest songs all have come from his pen as a writer, and his solo albums reflect his eclectic musical influences such as Patrick Sky.
Business Is Business
John Kay Lyrics
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To walk from school without the fear of harm
He knocked me down and took my dollar from me
And then he lay these pearls of wisdom on me
He say, business is business, nothing is free
Business is business, don't you blame me
Business is business, you've got to pay
Business is business, a man's gotta live
And what I can take is more than you'd give
Nothing has changed since I left school behind
The bullies now just all wear suits and ties
They'll buy you lunch to get that dollar from you
And then they'll lay the mumbo-jumbo on you
Business is business, nothing is free
Business is business, don't you blame me
Business is business, you've got to pay
Business is business. can't get away
Business is business, don't call me a crook
It's perfectly legal, I go by the book
The lyrics of John Kay's song "Business Is Business" describe the harsh realities of the business world. The songwriter talks about his experience of being extorted by a bully in school who demanded money for his safety. However, even after growing up, nothing has changed for him since the bullies now just wear suits and ties. They have replaced their power by buying people lunch or giving them deals that sound too good to be true. Either way, it always ends up in the same way, business is business and there is no escaping it.
In the chorus, the songwriter repeats the phrase, "Business is business" emphasizing how it's all about money and nothing else. The song portrays how the business world can be cruel and selfish as it continually demands more and more from people. The lyrics also suggest that people cannot always trust those they meet, especially in the business world, and people should always be careful while engaging in business.
The song is a commentary on the unchanging reality of the business world, often leaving people feeling helpless and disillusioned with the system that favors power and profits over honesty and integrity.
Line by Line Meaning
I was told I had to grease his palm
I was informed that I had to bribe him to ensure my safety
To walk from school without the fear of harm
To be able to walk back home without any trouble
He knocked me down and took my dollar from me
He pushed me down and took my money from me
And then he lay these pearls of wisdom on me
And then he gave me his words of wisdom
He say, business is business, nothing is free
He said that in business, there are no freebies
Business is business, don't you blame me
Do not blame me, it's the way how business works
Business is business, you've got to pay
To do business, you have to be willing to pay
Business is business, can't get away
In business, there's no escape
Business is business, a man's gotta live
Doing business is a means of survival
And what I can take is more than you'd give
I will take more from you than what you'd offer
Nothing has changed since I left school behind
Things are still the same as they were in school
The bullies now just all wear suits and ties
The bullies now dress in suits and ties
They'll buy you lunch to get that dollar from you
They'll treat you to lunch to get their way
And then they'll lay the mumbo-jumbo on you
And then they'll justify their ways to you
Business is business, nothing is free
In business, you have to pay for everything
Business is business, don't you blame me
Do not hold me responsible, that's how the game works
Business is business, you've got to pay
You have to be willing to pay to play
Business is business. can't get away
There's no way to escape the rules of business
Business is business, don't call me a crook
Do not label me as a criminal
It's perfectly legal, I go by the book
I follow all the legal procedures in conducting my business
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN KAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Barry Oneal
Never knew of this album, sounds great!!
earl pittman
A John Kay classic. "What'cha gonna' give me for it" Really?
What Is Left
Muscle Shoals...