Payday
The Crashes Lyrics

In the first verse of The Crashes's song Payday, the lead singer is acknowledging that the crowd may have been upset with a certain action, but ultimately, he received payment for it. The following line, "At dawn in a highway, I'm gonna build my grave," indicates a sense of danger, risk, and mortality. However, he doesn't seem to mind it because he's decided to let go of someone who told him not to stay. The second verse reveals that he has spent his whole life being passive and indifferent. He feels as if he's "drowning in a river," but now he's finally taking action and leaving. He ends the verse by emphasizing that he has never lied to the person he's leaving behind, hence highlighting his character's integrity.

The chorus features the repetition of the line "But you told me not to stay." It amplifies the idea of this person being the primary reason for his departure. However, it speaks to the idea of staying in a situation or a relationship despite the other person's unwillingness to commit. In contrast, the bridge contains the vocalist admitting that he cried tears of pain over the decision of leaving. It shows an emotional side of the character, indicating that this decision wasn't an easy one for him. The lyrics of Payday delve into themes of risk-taking, mortality, and liberation.