“The rhythm is what our band is about." Says Pete Bernhard: Guitarist, Front Man. The Devil Makes Three are quite possibly the best band that you have never heard of. They have been constantly on tour, selling out dates across the country and in their neck of the woods on the West Coast drawing near capacity crowds nightly. This is all word of mouth. Over the years, the Devil Makes Three have garnered fans the old school way, playing a city, making friends, conquering fans and moving on.
Laced with elements of ragtime, blues, country, folk and rockabilly, the critically praised, drummer-less trio - consisting of Vermont native, guitarist/front man Pete Bernhard, stand-up bassist Lucia Turino and guitarist Cooper McBean, also of rural Vermont - brings forth a genuine approach to acoustic music. The sound is deeply steeped in rhythm and alive with three part harmonies, while keeping a slightly punk aesthetic to their music and especially their live shows.
Note: the following songs belong to a different band with the same name, a small local metal band from Northern Ireland:
A Lesson Unlearnt
Dead
Feed the Greed
Heaven Descent
Cheap Reward
The Devil Makes Three Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be prepared to sweep me out the door
Now I might be horizontal by time the music ceases
Yes, I get acquainted with the floor
Well, I been trying to get away from things I always do
Hello, floorboard, once again and how are you
Lip service, that's all you'll ever get from me
Your cheap reward, your blackmail, your comical rage
Just remember, you'll only be the boss as long as you pay my wage
Lip service, that's all you'll ever get from me
How could you believe I'd take you seriously
Your cheap reward, your blackmail, your comical rage
Just remember, you'll only be the boss as long as you pay my wage
All the signs point on this road, they point one way
Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes
Now I'll turn the light out, 'cause there's nothing to see
It's all been lost before, so there's nothing to lose
Oh, but you could say that you love me so painlessly
I woulda done the same for you, but you said to me
Lip service, that's all you'll ever get from me
How could you believe I'd take you seriously
Your cheap reward, your blackmail, your comical rage
Just remember, you'll only be the boss as long as you pay my wage
The Devil Makes Three's song "Cheap Reward" is a classic example of a rebel anthem that has become popular among those who refuse to be tied down to societal expectations. The lyrics of "Cheap Reward" seem to articulate a kind of nihilism or apathy - the singer seems so disillusioned that they are willing to fall apart at any moment. They anticipate being horizontal by the end of the night, implying that they plan to lose themselves in the music and the moment.
The lyrics go on to address some of the frustrations that the singer is feeling. They seem to be trapped in a cycle of behavior that they cannot escape, and they express their anger at someone who is trying to control them. The cheap reward, blackmail, and comical rage referred to in the lyrics all suggest that the singer is dealing with someone who is manipulative and self-centered. They refuse to take this person seriously, and they remind them that their power is fleeting - they will only be the boss as long as they are able to pay the singer's wage.
All in all, "Cheap Reward" is a powerful anthem about rebellion and disillusionment. It speaks to a sense of frustration that many of us can relate to, and it does so with an infectious energy that can leave you feeling empowered.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel so loose tonight, I might fall to pieces
I am feeling so relaxed tonight, it is possible that I might collapse.
Be prepared to sweep me out the door
Be ready to carry me outside if I lose control.
Now I might be horizontal by time the music ceases
I may end up lying flat on the floor by the time the music stops.
Yes, I get acquainted with the floor
I am used to falling down or lying on the floor.
Well, I been trying to get away from things I always do
I have been attempting to avoid my usual habits.
Hello, floorboard, once again and how are you
Hello, floor, I have landed on you again. How are you doing?
Lip service, that's all you'll ever get from me
I will only give you insincere promises and statements.
How could you believe I'd take you seriously
Why would you think I would consider you as an important person?
Your cheap reward, your blackmail, your comical rage
Your insignificant gratification, your manipulation tactics, and your funny anger.
Just remember, you'll only be the boss as long as you pay my wage
Keep in mind that you are only in charge while you are paying me for my work.
All the signs point on this road, they point one way
The indications suggest that there is only one way to go on this path.
Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes
Don't pretend to be superior to me, just see the state of your footwear.
Now I'll turn the light out, 'cause there's nothing to see
I will switch off the light since there is nothing worth seeing here.
It's all been lost before, so there's nothing to lose
Everything has already been lost in the past, so there is nothing more to lose.
Oh, but you could say that you love me so painlessly
You could easily tell me that you love me without feeling any pain or difficulty.
I woulda done the same for you, but you said to me
I would have reciprocated, but you refused to do so.
Contributed by Nathaniel E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.