[Verse 1] You call it love But it’s a ledger Flowers for favors Smiles for leverage You read my mood Like a price tag I give a little You want it right back Your hand on my back Feels like a contract Sweet in the front Then you want stats Who owes who Who said yes first We keep receipts Like a family curse [Pre-Chorus] Everybody’s trading What they can spare Time for attention Attention for care Say it’s forever But check the fine print We all want something When we walk in [Chorus] Pay to stay Pay to stay That’s the way Pay to stay Love on loan Smile for show Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Every hand Has a price to pay Give a little Take a lot Pay to stay Pay to stay [Verse 2] Best friend texting Only when it’s useful Brother calling When the help gets crucial Boardroom praise With a hidden ask Everyone’s nice Till the favor cash A dinner invite Means a name to drop A handshake lasts Till the numbers stop They call it networking Call it a trade Everybody dressed up Everybody paid [Pre-Chorus] Everybody’s trading What they can spare Time for attention Attention for care Say it’s family Say it’s pure gold But every warm smile Has a receipt code [Chorus] Pay to stay Pay to stay That’s the way Pay to stay Love on loan Smile for show Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Every hand Has a price to pay Give a little Take a lot Pay to stay Pay to stay [Bridge] And I’m tired of counting Every little thing Tired of the promise Tied to a string If you want me real Then let me be Not a balance sheet In a velvet seat [Final Chorus] Pay to stay Pay to stay That’s the way Pay to stay Love on loan Smile for show Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Pay to stay Every hand Has a price to pay Give a little Take a lot Pay to stay Pay to stay
