A simple metal come heavy rock song.
Additional infor… Read Full Bio ↴Description
A simple metal come heavy rock song.
Additional information
Chosen ahead of Fury in the final track listing for Absolution. It was a live favourite from the 2002 tour up to and including the 2005 tour.
Interpretation 1: The song is about the idea of selling "propaganda" to mankind, to help them forget on what's happening around them or "the small print" on the contract. It's the beginning of the end, and it's taking advantage of humankind, is what this is about. The worshipping of false idols (like evil dictators, or whomever runs the government). If you do know the truth, you will be labeled as being "insane", because only the government knows the truth and they "bend it".
Interpretation 2: This seems like it is sung from the point of view of a pop star, or generally representing the pop industry. Why? Because what sells for £15 pounds a year - a CD or maybe DVD release. Think of any cynical music personality who you suspect is just in it for the money, and whose songs have no real truths in them. (There are a number of examples where Matt seems to adopt another persona, rather than just always singing from his own perspective).
Interpretation 3: While initially played before Absolution's release, it went by the name 'Action Faust.' The song can be understood as, clearly alluding to Goethe's ''Faust,'' being sung from the point of view of the Devil to someone selling their soul to him in exchange for, presumably, musical prowess and fame. It shows the transaction as ultimately manipulative on the part of the Devil, dooming the recipient to be a "slave to the grave" and robbing him of all memories of "the good days". The Devil's identity can be seen in the line "I'm a priest God never paid"; he is able to mediate supernatural power but does so outside of the service of God. The final title "The Small Print" yet again underlies the motif of a dishonest contract between a Devil and Faustian figure.
Trivia
At 2:51, a cat can be heard meowing.
Lyrics
Take, take all you need
And I'll compensate your greed
With broken hearts
Sell, I'll sell your memories
For 15 pounds per year
But just the good days
Say, it'll make you insane
And it's bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose and
You watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
Hope, I hope you've seen the light
'cause no one really cares
They're just pretending
Sell, and I'll sell your memories
For 15 pounds per year
But you can keep the bad days
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose and
You watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose and
You watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
The Small Print
Muse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'll compensate your greed
With broken hearts
Sell I'll sell your memories
For fifteen pounds per year
But just the good days
Say, It'll make you insane
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose and
You watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
Hope, I hope you've seen the light
'Cause no one really cares
They're just pretending
Sell, I'll sell your memories, for fifteen pounds per year
But you can keep the bad days
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose
And you watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose
And you watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm a priest God never paid
The lyrics of Muse's song The Small Print appear to criticize the music industry as a whole. The first verse describes a character who is willing to take anything they want, regardless of the consequences to others. They offer to compensate others' greed with broken hearts and then offer to sell one's fond memories for a low price - but only the good ones. It can be interpreted as a representation of the music industry's exploitation of artists, taking advantage of their talents and hard work while selling only the most positive aspects of their music.
The chorus "Say, it'll make you insane and I'm bending the truth, you're to blame for all the life that you'll lose" could be interpreted as a warning about the effects of the music industry's manipulation of artists. The singer is aware of the harm that can be caused by this environment but is urging others to wake up and realize that they're responsible for the choices they make. The line "be my slave to the grave, I'm a priest God never paid" could be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of artistic control and ownership. The singer is acknowledging that they have total power over their music, but also implying that they are selling their soul to the music industry by doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
Take, take all you need
I am willing to give you everything you desire
And I'll compensate your greed
And in return, I will satisfy your insatiable desire for more
With broken hearts
Even if it means leaving a trail of hurt and pain behind
Sell I'll sell your memories
I will exploit your experiences and past life
For fifteen pounds per year
And offer them for purchase at a cheap price
But just the good days
But only the moments of happiness that you once had
Say, It'll make you insane
I am warning you that this lifestyle will drive you to madness
And it's bending the truth
And that what I am telling you is distorted and untrue
You're to blame
But you are the one at fault
For all the life that you'll lose and
For giving up the joys of life
You watch this space
You observe and take note of my trajectory in life
And I'm going all the way
And I am determined to reach my goals, regardless of the cost
And be my slave to the grave
And you will be at my beck and call until the day you die
I'm a priest God never paid
I am a person who possesses power and influence without any higher calling or moral obligation
Hope, I hope you've seen the light
I desire that you see the truth of what I am doing to you
'Cause no one really cares
Because no one else is concerned about your plight
They're just pretending
They are only acting like they care
Sell, I'll sell your memories, for fifteen pounds per year
I will continue to exploit your past for a small sum
But you can keep the bad days
But the painful experiences will remain with you
And you watch this space
And you continue to observe my actions and movements
And I'm going all the way
And I am fully committed to achieving my goals
And be my slave to the grave
And you will be under my control until death
I'm a priest God never paid
I am a person of power and influence without any moral obligation to a higher power
Say, it'll make you insane
I repeat my warning to you that this lifestyle will drive you mad
And I'm bending the truth
And I am continuing to manipulate and distort the truth
You're to blame
Again, you are the one responsible for your own downfall
For all the life that you'll lose
For giving up the joys and beauty of life
And you watch this space
And you continue to monitor my path in life
And I'm going all the way
And I am fully determined to see my plans through
And be my slave to the grave
And you will remain under my control for the rest of your life
I'm a priest God never paid
I am a person who wields power and influence without any obligation to a higher authority
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Savannah Attila
Take, take all you need
And I'll compensate your greed
With broken hearts
Sell, I'll sell your memories
For 15 pounds per year
But just the good days
Say, it'll make you insane
And it's bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose and
You watch this space
But I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm the priest God never paid
Hope, I hope you've seen the light
'Cause no one really cares
They're just pretending
Sell, I'll sell your memories
For 15 pounds per year
But you can keep the bad days
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose
And you watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm the priest God never paid
Say, it'll make you insane
And I'm bending the truth
You're to blame
For all the life that you'll lose
And you watch this space
And I'm going all the way
And be my slave to the grave
I'm the priest God never paid
Jenny Hernandez
One of my top top muse songs. I'm back just because I'm in that mood. Muse rocks!
Stay_Frostee
Listened to this non stop this time last year. Underated gem on the best album.
Arcanis
Omg this song is so awesome !
10 years i listen this song, and always loving so much ! that guitar
!
Felix Abk
Been listening to it for 14 years now lol Muse classic like the whole Absolution album...
Arcanis
Yeah totaly agree ;) <3
Eric Cardona
I remember when this song used to be in that one old drag racing crash video from like 15 years ago...nostalgia!!
Bronze Hawk
I know exactly the one you're talking about. Muse - The Small Print, and Hoobastank - Out of Control. You've got taste, Eric Cardona.
Corporate Revelation
This song makes me feel I like I'm flying
Brandelyn Dynes
Love this song so freaking much❤
Miguel Reis
Braba demais 🔥