theSTART is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California,… Read Full Bio ↴theSTART is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. Their current lineup includes Aimee Echo, Jamie Miller, Lance Webber and Chelsea Davis.

Echo and Miller formed the band in the fall of 1998, citing a mutual love of old-school new wave, dance-punk energy and dark pop, with bassist Jeff Jaeger, drummer Scott Ellis (Mellowdrone, She Wants Revenge) and guitarist Mike Smith. The latter left during the recording of their debut album, Shakedown!, which was released on The Label, a sub-label of Geffen Records.

After returning from touring, the band found the label was closing its doors, and, after Scott Ellis' departure, released The 1234 EP independently. Following a 2002 summer tour supporting Scarling., the band gathered enough money to release theSTART EP on Smallstone Records. After a tour supporting AFI, the band was signed to Nitro Records. Stabilizing a new line-up with Erick Sanger and Billy Brimblecom, Jr., they recorded their next album, Initiation. In the meantime, theSTART EP was re-released on Nitro Records under the title Death Via Satellite. Unfortunately, on the day of Initiation's release, Brimblecom announced his departure. The band proceeded to tour with artists such as The Offspring, Auf Der Maur and Garbage with a number of fill-in drummers. Sanger was let go in 2006 for unclear reasons, paving the way for current rhythm section Lance Webber and Chelsea Davis. The band also parted ways with Nitro Records, and signed with Metropolis Records later that year, releasing Ciao, Baby in 2007.

Millionaire
theSTART Lyrics

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Down on the floor
I've been here before
And darling, the pain of make-believe
Taking it slow
Enjoying the show
I'll be here forever and ever
The drinks, I've spilled them everywhere
When the room turned on its side

Stop cold
I sold
My soul
So you could be my millionaire

Down on the floor
I've been here before
I'm begging to please you
Please you, please
Taking it slow
Because I am holding on for life

Stop cold
I sold
My soul
So you could be my millionaire

Sit back and enjoy the show
I've given you everything you need
Sit back and enjoy the show for me

Down on the floor
I've been here time after godforsaken time
The room is turning back again
I'm holding on for life

Stop cold
I sold
My soul
So you could be my millionaire

So you could be my millionaire
So you could be my millionaire
Won't you be my millionaire?
I'd let you be my millionaire
'Cause I sold

My soul
So you could be my millionaire

Overall Meaning

TheSTART's song "Millionaire" tells the story of someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep their significant other happy, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been in this situation before, and is willing to endure the pain of a make-believe relationship for the sake of the other person's happiness.

The chorus reveals the extent of the singer's sacrifice; they have "sold their soul" so that their partner can be a millionaire. The singer seems to find some solace in the fact that they have given their partner everything they need to be happy, and can now sit back and watch the show.

The final verse hints at the cyclical nature of the singer's situation, as they find themselves back on the floor again, holding on for dear life. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that the singer has made a permanent and irreversible sacrifice for their partner.

Overall, "Millionaire" is a haunting portrayal of a relationship where one person is willing to give everything and the other person takes advantage of that willingness. The song asks the listener to consider how much they are willing to give up for the sake of someone else's happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

Down on the floor
I am feeling defeated and helpless

I've been here before
I have been in similar situations previously

And darling, the pain of make-believe
The emotional distress of pretending everything is okay

Taking it slow
I am proceeding at my own pace

Enjoying the show
I am finding pleasure in the situation

I'll be here forever and ever
I am committed to staying in this situation indefinitely

The drinks, I've spilled them everywhere
I am losing control, making mistakes and causing a mess

When the room turned on its side
When everything became chaotic

Stop cold
Suddenly halted

I sold
I gave up something valuable

My soul
My integrity or morality