Sauce
Perfume Genius & A. G. Cook Lyrics

Really gettin' paid just for being myself
I'm finally getting paid for being true to myself and my artistry.

Now they on the wave they keep ringin' my cell
Since I'm gaining more success, people are constantly contacting me to be a part of the trend.

But pay me like you weigh me I might bring in a scale
If you want me to deliver the best performance possible, you need to pay me what I'm worth.

'Cause I need all that word to Keenan and Kel
I require all of that payment to not only support myself, but to also support and represent a larger cause or audience.

Give me me, gotta give me me
I need to stay true to myself and my identity, which includes my unique style and creativity.

If you're paying cash you're the real MVP
If you respect me and my work enough to pay me fairly, you are truly supporting and valuing me as an artist.

I keep workers on staff please respect this entity
I have a team behind me, and we work hard to make everything come together. Please recognize and respect that.

I could put you blast, trying to steal this energy
If you try to take advantage of me or my artistry, I have the power and ability to expose you and call you out on it.

Your attempts are so weak, still standing on both feet
Despite your weak attempts, I am still standing strong and won't let you bring me down.

I told 'em my time is precious, they actin' like Monique
I have emphasized the importance of my valuable time, but some people still fail to respect it, similar to the way Monique was not respected in the industry when speaking up.

I'm a thinker, by design, for that check like I'm Tinker
I am a thoughtful artist, constantly working on new ideas, while still placing importance on receiving payment.

Ain't no gettin' over on me even if you use your blinker uh
Even if you try to deceive me, I am too perceptive and won't let you get away with it.

Made something outta nothing, let me testify (Bless up)
I have been able to make something meaningful out of a seemingly hopeless situation, and I am grateful for that.

All this internet thuggin' gotta get rectified
There is too much false bravado and negativity online, and it needs to be corrected.

I'll be the one frontin' if I just letcha slide
If I allow you to slide by without holding you accountable, I am not being true to myself or my values.

Y'all really be buggin', I keep some pesticides
People can be annoying and problematic, but I have ways to handle them and keep myself protected.

Getcha money, stack it up and mind your business
Focus on making your own money and being financially stable, and don't worry about what others are doing with their money.

Time is money, gotta watch out how you spend it
Time is a valuable resource, and you should be careful how you use it to maximize your earning potential.

If I quote a price to you, please don't get offended
I have established my worth and value as an artist, so if I give you a price quote, please respect it instead of being offended by it.

Done with paying back dues, now I need 'em back with interest
I have worked hard and paid my dues, and now it's time for me to be compensated for my talents and skills.

No more free sauce (Free sauce) drippin' while I'm whippin' (Whip, whip)
I won't give away my unique creative ideas for free anymore, especially while I'm working hard.

Don't let me catch you dippin' yeah
If I catch you trying to steal or take advantage of me, there will be consequences.

Once you take a loss, I swear it'll never be the same
If you fail to meet my expectations or mistreat me, there will be permanent damage to our relationship and business dealings moving forward.

Tried to use the bands for band-aids but they never ease the pain
Material possessions and money can't solve all of your problems or heal your emotional wounds.

So it ain't my fault if you start to see a change
If you can't handle my success and growth, it's not my responsibility to make you feel comfortable with it.

Back to drippin' sauce, I know it's bound to leave a stain
Now that I'm confident in standing up for myself and my worth, the impact I make in the industry will be long-lasting and influential.

A lot of people claim that they made they self
Many people take credit for their own success, but often they have had help or support along the way.

Gave 'em free game but they played they self
I have provided useful advice and knowledge to others for free, and they wasted it by not implementing it correctly.

Why would you even risk it, you know that cycle's vicious
Why would you take a risk with your own success when you know how competitive and harsh the industry can be?

Play your position, or take an L like you're Bishop (Whoa)
Stay in your lane and focus on what you do best, or else you'll face negative consequences like the character Bishop in the movie 'Juice'.

Put myself in check and then I ran it up
I took a step back and evaluated myself and my goals, and then was able to successfully increase my income and success.

Taking all bets and then I ante up
I'm willing to take risks and go all in when it comes to my career and success.

All we want's respect, we ain't demanding much
As artists, all we really want is to be respected and valued for our hard work and talents. It's not too much to ask for.

but once we start to flex, you can't stand with us
Once we start to show off our success and confidence, those who were once close to us may become envious or unable to keep up with us.