Buy Your Own Rebellion

Verse

You said you liked how I offend,

Then sent the words I couldn't use.

You loved the way I think for myself,

Had some suggestions for the shoot.

Could I look angry at the camera,

But keep the interview upbeat?

You want the threat of something happening,

With everybody staying in their seats.

(Looking dangerous enough?)

Prechorus

You said, "We'd never change your message."

Then asked who I was angry with.

Apparently the perfect target

Is someone who does not exist.

Chorus

Buy your own rebellion!

You're not renting mine.

You want somebody breaking ranks

Who never steps out of your line.

Put your money where your pitch is.

Let me finish what I sing.

Buy your own rebellion!

You don't get to tame this thing.

(Smile for the sponsors)

Verse

You brought three options for my outfit,

All distressed in matching ways.

Said I should look like I'd been fighting,

But not explain who made me that way.

The chorus tested well with strangers.

The second verse was "quite a risk."

You asked if we could keep the feeling

Without referring to any of it.

(What feeling's that?)

Prechorus

You said your brand was built on courage.

I asked what you were standing for.

You said, "We'll circle back on Tuesday."

I said, "That's what I thought."

Chorus

Buy your own rebellion!

You're not renting mine.

You want somebody breaking ranks

Who never steps out of your line.

Put your money where your pitch is.

Let me finish what I sing.

Buy your own rebellion!

You don't get to tame this thing.

(How's that for the campaign?)

Bridge

I know what that cheque could cover.

I know what the van repairs will cost.

I nearly said the change was nothing—

One verse nobody's going to miss.

Then I sang it with your changes,

Heard myself avoiding every point.

You said, "Now everybody gets it."

There was nothing left to get.

Solo

Breakdown

"Be yourself."

Within reason.

"Push us further."

Not that far.

"We're giving you a platform."

You're giving me a script.

(No thanks)

Chorus

Buy your own rebellion!

Find somebody else to sign.

I won't sell you my resistance

Then ask permission every night.

Keep the cheque.

I'll keep the second verse.

You can tell them why we split.

Buy your own rebellion!

I'm still singing all of it.

(All of it!)

Outro

You said, "We love your attitude."

I said, "You've mentioned that."

You asked if I'd reconsider.

I asked which part you hadn't caught.