Crime Don't Pay
Ness Mike Lyrics

Drinking, gambling and women
Engaging in vices such as alcohol, gambling, and relationships with women

Stealin' hearts and playin' with guns
Engaging in dangerous and potentially harmful activities in the pursuit of love

But the laws the law and baby that's a fact
Acknowledging that breaking the law has consequences

And now I'm on the run
Fleeing from the authorities after committing a crime

Chorus:
Reframing the focus of the song as a warning against the consequences of living a life of crime and sin

But this song ain't about none of the above
Highlighting that the song is not celebrating or glorifying a life of crime and vice

We're not punished for our sins, but "by them"
Emphasizing that our actions have inherent consequences that we cannot escape

Thought I'd get myself a little passion play
Describing a desire to indulge in romantic and potentially harmful behavior

But I can still hear them sayin'
Recounting the warnings and advice of others that were ignored

That crime don't pay
Expressing the central theme and message of the song that crime and sin have consequences

My poor heart is aching
Describing emotional pain and distress

It never did before
Noting how these experiences are unfamiliar and new

It seems my "indiscretion" served a "painful lesson"
Recognizing that previous actions have resulted in suffering and negative consequences

And I'm still begging for more
Despite the negative consequences, there is a desire to continue engaging in harmful behavior

I tried to mix romance with deceit
Describing a failed attempt to combine love and deception

A little pleasure now with my pain
Describing the desire to find pleasure despite the negative consequences

And I felt the loss on judgment day
Acknowledging that the consequences of actions will come, and that guilt and regret will follow

And I can still hear them sayin'
Continuing to remember and reflect on the warnings of others

That crime don't pay!
Repeating the central message and warning of the song

Pour yourself a drink now
Encouraging escapism through alcohol

Make it a double and chase it with tears
Escaping feelings of sadness and despair through drinking

But take heed my friends to this warning I give
Encouraging others to learn from the mistakes detailed in the song

Before you're faced with all your fears
Preventing the potential consequences of continuing down a path of sin and crime

I'd rather face ten men than have a broken heart
Prefering physical pain over emotional pain

My crimes of passion have done me in
Admitting that emotional attachments and desires led to negative consequences

I'm sentenced to life each and every lonely day
Acknowledging the ongoing emotional pain and suffering as a result of past actions

And I can still hear you sayin'
Continuing to reflect on the warnings and advice of others

That crime don't pay!
Repeating the main warning and message of the song