This started out as a song about things dumb people say that they think make them sound smart or informed. Things like, “The two political parties are the same.” But then the lyrics evolved into a full-on character sketch.
Play or Download “The Price (original song)” on SoundCloud >>
This attitude has always bugged, but I came across a song by someone else from the perspective of a character (perhaps the songwriter himself) ostentatiously boasting about how cynical, uninformed, and checked out he is. “I don’t care — everybody look at me not caring.”
I decided I could write a song about that same guy.
This is my first ever song with only two chords. They are: G and Adim7
Lyrics
You pulled your head from the sand because you had something you wanted to say
Brushed the dirt off of your neck and you cleared your throat.
Your pack was sitting around and they braced themselves looking your way.
Clenched your fists, stiffened your jaw, and you took a breath.
"Fuck all the politicians."
"I don't read the papers".
"I don't need the details."
"I don't know just what they've done, but I’m sure they’ve done something."
You cross your arms and lean back with a smile but you don't look relaxed.
Blink your eyes, flaring your nose, look from face to face.
Somebody slaps your back. Someone laughs a half second too late.
Somebody takes the remote and turns off the tube.
"Nothing ever changes."
"It’s all rigged anyway."
"Shut up!" you tell that one guy.
"Don't teach me what Plato said 'bout the price of indifference."
You wait in silence a bit 'til you're sure that everyone’s in their place.
That one guy looks at his phone like it's getting late.
And on some unspoken cue everyone gets up and heads for the door.
Put your head back in the sand. You're victorious.
You’re victorious.
© 2025 Ted Johnson
Photo Credit: Sora