Don't Start a Band {Live}
Reel Big Fish Lyrics

Don't start a band
Do not form a music band

No body wants to hear no body wants to hear
There might be no audience for your music

Nobody understands
People will not appreciate your music as you expect them to

You'll be so disappointed that it was nothing like you planned
Expectations might not meet reality

Oh yea yea yea
An expression of sarcasm

Your message will get lost
Your intended message might not be communicated effectively

You'll get double crossed
Betrayal is a possibility in the music industry

And if you that the joy of playing
Assumption that the pleasure of playing music is enough to keep going

Will keep you going through the years
And that it is enough to sustain the career

Wait till you poor and frustrated
It might get to a point where playing music is no longer enjoyable

And the fun just disappears
The fun in playing music could fade away eventually

Nobody cares what you have to say
Your message might not be relevant to anyone

And noes gonna listen anyways
People might not pay attention to your music

Rock and roll will bring you down
The harsh reality of the music industry could be depressing

And it will kick you while your on the ground
Failure in the industry could have serious consequences

You will sign your lives away and then you'll be working for the man
Signing a contract could limit your freedom and control of your music

No body really cares nobody understands
Nobody might appreciate your music as much as you do

You will be so damn terrible they'll all think your shitty
Your performance might not be impressive to anyone

Don't even try you will regret it yea
Not worth the hassle

So just give up now
Quit while you're ahead

I'll show you how
Implying that the artist is experienced and knows better

They'll turn their backs and they'll be gone
People in the industry could be opportunistic and insincere

Faster than can say 'what did I do wrong'
You can lose everything in an instant

I hate to ruin the magic
The music dream is but an illusion

I hate to kill the dream
The idea of being a successful musician is desirable but impractical

But once you've been behind the scenes then you'll know just what I mean
Experience reveals the harsh reality of the industry

You might think that's its cool to get up on stage
Assumption that performing is easy and glamorous

And play rock and roll from your heart and soul
Playing music from within, being authentic

But no one shows up and your songs all suck
Lack of recognition and poor performances are possibilities

And there's no applause and no flying cars
Success will not happen overnight

No girls will scream for you and no ones gonna stay in love with you
Fame is fleeting and not all it's cracked up to be

And even if you make it
Success comes with a lot of sacrifices and hardship

All the way to MTV
Indicates success in the industry

I don't think you could take it
Keeping up with success could be overwhelming

All the bullshit and the greed
The music industry can be ruthless and greedy

Everyone is so fake when they shake you hand
People could be disingenuous and act fake in the industry

And they kiss your ass 'cause then they get cash
People could be using you for their own gain

And the business end will turn every friend
Business could ruin personal relationships

To an enemy oh you will see
Betrayal and animosity can arise in the industry

You won't get paid
Success does not always translate to money

And you won't get laid
Success and fame do not always come with romantic advantages

Don't start a band
Overall message of the song not to pursue a music career

Oh yea yea yea
Sarcasm and emphasis on the message