[Verse 1] I kept the bookings, ran the floor, Knew every name at every door. I paid the rent. I paid the bills. On Sundays, I would walk the hills. [Verse 2] He said, “Stay back. We'll have a drink.” I said, “No, thanks.” I watched him blink. I took my coat and turned to leave. His fingers tightened on my sleeve. [Chorus] No is not in his vocabulary; He takes it as a slight. He thinks the wages that he pays Can buy a yes outright. He signs the checks. He knows my name. That doesn't make me his to claim. [Verse 3] They gave my shifts to someone new. His message said I'd failed the crew. The work was good the day before. My no was what he fired me for. [Chorus] No is not in his vocabulary; He takes it as a slight. He thinks the wages that he pays Can buy a yes outright. He signs the checks. He knows my name. That doesn't make me his to claim. [Bridge] I kept his message, kept the date. I told a friend the whole thing through. She didn't ask what I was wearing. She asked what I wanted to do. [Final Chorus] No is not in his vocabulary; He takes it as a slight. He thinks the wages that he pays Can buy a yes outright. He signs the checks. He knows my name. That doesn't make me his to claim. [Outro] He signs the checks. He knows my name. That doesn't make me his to claim. © 2026 The Shady River Bard. All rights reserved.
