Who Pays The Price

Surprised nobody covered this one. This song defines INXS, because it\'s literally about what happens when ANYTHING is done "in excess": unintended consequences to which the doers seem completely blind.\n\nIn the beginning, the evil of our greedy actions is clear. But in the end, we always seem to wind up confused about who\'s responsible. Somewhere in-between, either we (or the process of our unethical endeavor) mask(s) the reality of its outcome.\n\nMore specifically, that the ones who SHOULD pay the price are the originators themselves.\n\nIn other words, "Who Pays the Price" is about greed & self-undoing.\n\nWhich is the perfect subject for a song, as music itself falls into the domain of things we (as a society) miss, and have no further recourse than to sing about them until they resonate and everyone realizes they\'re true.\n\nAs a cultural critique, the lyrics work individually (unintended consequences of our greedy actions/behavior) and institutionally (organizational externalities, like post-war/failed-state nation building); for example, governments painting over rust on a broken bridge; or realtors sitting on unserviceable properties that should be condemned (instead of paying to demolish or remodel).\n\nIt also drips with scorn, possibly for those who lack the reflection to see how their greedy actions eventually result in folly. Probably because the one who pays the price for greedy actions (when expanded to involve others) isn\'t just you.\n\nBut to be honest, the song rings mostly as an earnest warning (or an admonishment). Because deep within its scornful tone are lyrics (and a feel) of optimism:\n\n[And the strength of all you\'re giving / Is gonna make the changes / Tomorrow\'s gonna bring a new day]\n\nWhich is something unique about Michael Hutchence\'s voice: the ability to (somehow) communicate a good & bad omen at the same time. Literally, an auspicious-ominous tone. Very overlooked tune.