The Paycheck Eater

(Bright acoustic guitar intro, handclaps, banjo pops, modern country-pop beat kicks in. Big, catchy, upbeat energy.)

Verse 1

She’s sittin’ in the driveway lookin’ mean
More rust than paint, if you know what I mean
Dashboard lights like a Christmas tree
But none of ‘em say “run smooth for free”

I bought her cheap, thought I got a steal
Turns out I signed a heartbreak deal
Every Friday when the paycheck lands
She’s already got it in her hands

Pre-Chorus

One tow truck, two repairs
Three mechanics saying “ain’t no prayer”
And I swear I hear her laugh at me

Chorus (Big, catchy hook)

She’s the Paycheck Eater, money heater
Loves to break down on the side of the street
Gas tank empty, bank account too
But I can’t quit her, what can I do?

She’s a rusted-out dream on borrowed time
Still I keep her running down the line
Yeah, she’s trouble wrapped in chrome and steel
But she’s got a hold on the way I feel

Paycheck Eater… take it all again

Verse 2

She leaks more oil than a heartbreak song
Radio works but it’s always wrong
AC blows like a Southern breeze
In January snow at minus three

My friends all say “man, let her go”
But she’s got that “maybe she’ll start” glow
And just when I think I’m finally free
She coughs back to life and looks at me

Pre-Chorus

One more fix and I’ll be fine
That’s what I say every single time
But she’s got a way of changing plans

Chorus (Even bigger, clap-driven)

She’s the Paycheck Eater, money heater
Loves to break down on the side of the street
Gas tank empty, bank account too
But I can’t quit her, what can I do?

She’s a rusted-out dream on borrowed time
Still I keep her running down the line
Yeah, she’s trouble wrapped in chrome and steel
But she’s got a hold on the way I feel

Paycheck Eater… yeah, I’m still believin’

Bridge (Party breakdown, call-and-response)

(Spoken/sung)
Mechanic said: “Son, she’s done for sure!”
I said: “Doc, I’ve heard that before!”

She’s got dents, she’s got scars
But she still gets me where my bars are

Final Chorus (Big festival energy, stomp/clap, crowd vocals)

She’s the Paycheck Eater, money heater
Breaking down but she’s still my ride
A little bit chaos, a little bit grace
With a busted old grin on her rusty face

She’s a rusted-out dream on borrowed time
But she’s mine, oh she’s mine all mine
Yeah, she’s trouble wrapped in chrome and steel
But she’s got a hold on the way I feel

Paycheck Eater… and I love the deal

Outro (Fading, playful ad-libs)

(Laughing vocals, engine sputter SFX, harmonica lick)
“See you next paycheck…”
clunk…
“…probably.”