Dave Matthews Band – Pay for What You Get

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Work ourselves, fingers to the bone
Suck the marrow, drain my soul
Pay your dues, and your debts
Pay your respect, everybody tells you
You pay for what you get
You pay for what you get

Everybody asks me how she's doing
Has she really lost her mind?
I said, I couldn't tell you
I've lost mine

Words, words, words, have you heard
A bird in hand is much better than,
Any number free to wander
Fly away...stay
You pay for what you get
You pay for what you get

Everybody asks me how she's doing
Since she went away
I said I couldn't tell you
I'm okay, I'm okay
Surprise, surprise you pay for what you get
You pay for what you get

Everybody asks me how she's doing
has she really lost her...

Everybody asks me how she's doing
Since she went away
I said I couldn't tell you I'm okay I'm okay
How are you?
You pay for what you get
Pay for what you get..oh..oh...


Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Pay for What You Get song meanings
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30 Comments

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  • +1
    Song Meaningthis song has a great deal of meaning for me. My mother is schizophrenic and in and out of mental institutions. the lyrics "Everybody asks me how she's doing Has she really lost her mind? I said, I couldn't tell you I've lost mine" perfectly describe the way i feel every time i have to deal with an episode of this. Everyone is expecting for you to have answers for them, and you cant even get a grip on yourself.
    he has a great way of giving words to my emotions
    opentoeson January 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General CommentOne of my favorite Dave Matthews songs, not very popular I think but I love the lyrics, melody, guitar, everything...
    NateKalbachon May 03, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentOne of my favorite Dave Matthews songs, not very popular I think but I love the lyrics, melody, guitar, everything...
    NateKalbachon May 03, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentyea i like this song a lot too...
    heybaby143on May 03, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentHey *Lisa* which sister is this? I know about the one who's husband killed her then killed himself but I wasn't aware of one who killed herself.
    PndrLwon June 04, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentive always thought this song was just about how dave's lover left him and how no one knows the pain he's feeling. he had a great time with her but now he has to pay up and he lost her. i could be wrong.
    abchak1on June 19, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commenthey i have no clue what or who this song is about, but I would really like to kno. If anybody knows for sure could u plz tell me thanx.
    DmB182on June 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentvery underrated and under-appreciated dave tune. i would kill to hear a full band one this summer.
    sean7711on April 23, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Commenti heard that this song was about a man who's wife had cancer and was dying - all of the people asked how she was and showed no care for the man

    'Everybody asks me how she's doing
    Has she really lost her mind?
    I said, I couldn't tell you
    I've lost mine"

    and the man has 'lost his mind' from going through all of this
    seekupon July 02, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI think seekup is right, and I love that part of the song; saying that death affects many people and no one should be overlooked.
    ZidaneTribalon July 06, 2003   Link

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