[Genre: Satirical folk-punk cabaret song] [Tempo: Medium-fast] [Male vocal, slightly sarcastic tone] [Instruments: Acoustic guitar, upright bass, brush drums, optional accordion] [Spoken outro, rhythmic chanting allowed] [Verse 1] I read a post, a subway stage, One of the best with a Strad in hand, Joshua Bell in the D.C. trains, Three and a half million for that violin’s name. Forty-five minutes, bow on fire, But nobody cared to admire — They rushed to work, they missed the show, Dropped thirty-two bucks, then had to go. [Verse 2] Cue the comments, here we go, Carlin rants from long ago — People blind, people numb, If we were there, we’d never be dumb! No chance in hell we’d pass him by, Or mistake his tune for Poe’s sad cry — We’d stand, we’d clap, we’d recognize art — Sure we would, yeah, bless our hearts. [Chorus] Thirty-two bucks — that’s all it’s worth, The honest price of sound and earth. Everything extra’s just hype and spin, A sticker slapped on by marketers’ grin. So here’s the truth — no sugar hit: You want the magic? Live with it. You want the genius? Live with it. You paid the subway fare — so live with it. [Verse 3] Tiny geniuses, basement snobs, Polish your knowledge, keep your jobs — Secret critics, violin kings, Your ticket’s fake, your ego sings. What’s above that humble fare? Isn’t talent — it’s hot air. It’s billboards, hype and velvet ropes, All for dreams and marketing hopes. [Chorus] Thirty-two bucks — that’s all it’s worth, The honest price of sound and earth. Everything extra’s just hype and spin, A sticker slapped on by marketers’ grin. So here’s the truth — no sugar hit: You want the magic? Live with it. You want the genius? Live with it. You paid the subway fare — so live with it. [Outro — Spoken / Chanted] So next time you hear that subway song, Don’t pretend you’d stand there long. Art ain’t priceless, here’s the bit: It costs thirty-two bucks — now live with it.
