Holiday Grind 3.0

[Intro – Distorted Intercom] “Attention holiday shoppers, the store will be closing—” “Excuse me! I need a price check!” [Verse 1 – Rap] Automatic doors let the cold roll in, Three at the desk, ten deep again. She’s got a rain check from twenty-nineteen, Says, “Your old manager promised this to me.” Ink worn off, but she calls it legit, Wants someone higher when I won’t take it. He found one scratch on a factory seal, Now he wants half off a brand-new deal. Another swapped stickers, thought we wouldn’t know, Holiday spirit at an all-time low. Snow settles softly, peaceful and white— While somebody’s shouting beneath fluorescent lights. [Pre-Chorus – Rock Build] Running on caffeine, courtesy, and spite, Turning every wrong price right. Still wearing smiles we can barely find— Another silent night on the holiday grind. [Chorus – Original Legacy Chorus / Full-Speed Rock] It’s the holiday grind, we’re barely alive, But we push through just to survive, Understaffed, overworked, yet still we stand, No one understands, but we got this planned. Snow’s comin’ down, but we stay in the game, Even when nothin’ looks the same, The holiday grind, we’re takin’ the heat, But we won’t stop till we’re back on our feet. [Verse 2 – Rap] Self-checkout’s open, every light is green, He folds both arms, says, “That ain’t for me.” “I don’t work here—you can ring this through,” So an associate does all the work for you. Fourteen coupons when the limit says one, Then a price-match picture from dot-com. “Can you check the back?” Yeah, I checked it twice, There’s no secret warehouse full of paradise. Phones keep ringing, curbside’s turning red, The same four carols drilling through my head. Through the glass, white flakes drift slow and bright— Like the sky can’t see what’s happening tonight. [Pre-Chorus – Rock Build] Running on caffeine, courtesy, and spite, Turning every wrong price right. Still wearing smiles we can barely find— Another silent night on the holiday grind. [Bridge/Breakdown – Rap-Rock Call-and-Response] [Rap] Price doesn’t match? [Group] Call somebody over! [Rap] Coupon expired? [Group] Call somebody over! [Rap] Won’t touch the checkout with an associate there? [Group] Call somebody over like we’ve got staff to spare! [Rap Over Building Guitars] Snow keeps falling, checkout lights flash— Patience running lower as the cymbals crash. [Final Chorus – Original Lyrics / Maximum Rock Energy] It’s the holiday grind, we’re barely alive, But we push through just to survive, Understaffed, overworked, yet still we stand, No one understands, but we got this planned. Snow’s comin’ down, but we stay in the game, Even when nothin’ looks the same, The holiday grind, we’re takin’ the heat, But we won’t stop till we’re back on our feet. [Final Extension – Rap/Rock] [Rock Vocals] It’s the holiday grind! [Rap] Expired rain checks, discounts denied— [Rock Vocals] Still holding the line! [Rap] Red scanner lights while the snow falls white— [Both] They call it holiday magic when they walk outside, But we know who keeps that magic alive. [Outro – Intercom] “Excuse me—are you still open?” …Happy holidays.