Slave to the Wage

Placebo

About Slave to the Wage

"Slave to the Wage" is a song by English alternative rock band Placebo. It was released as a single from their third studio album, 2000's Black Market Music. It reached number 19 in the UK Singles Chart. The song, inspired by the drudgery of having a "9 to 5" job in the modern world, is about not working oneself into an early grave. Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" is also mentioned in the lyrics. The song samples the intro of "Texas Never Whispers" by Pavement. The music video is directed by Howard Greenhalgh and was inspired by the movie Gattaca.  


Year:
2007
3:46
108 
#2

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Run away from all your boredom
Run away from all your whoredom and wave
Your worries, and cares, goodbye
All it takes is one decision
A lot of guts, a little vision to wave
Your worries, and cares goodbye

It's a maze for rats to try [Repeat: x2]
It's a race, a race for rats
A race for rats to die
It's a race, a race for rats
A race for rats to die

Sick and tired of Maggie's farm
She's a bitch, with broken arms to wave
Your worries, and cares, goodbye

It's a maze for rats to try [Repeat: x2]
It's a race, a race for rats
A race for rats to die
It's a race, a race for rats
A race for rats to die [Repeat: x3]
Burn away
Run away [Repeat: x2]

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Placebo

Placebo are an English alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. Placebo are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have reached the top 20 in the UK, and have sold over ten million records worldwide. more »

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Written by: BRIAN MOLKO, STEFAN OLSDAL, STEVEN HEWITT, SCOTT KANNBERG, STEPHEN JOSEPH MALKMUS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Slave to the Wage" is a song by British alternative rock band Placebo - the band originally formed in London in 1994.
Album Release
It is the second track from their third studio album, "Black Market Music," which was released on 9 October 2000.
Song Theme
The song criticizes the capitalistic society where everyone is a slave to their wage, enforced by the employment system. It pushes listeners to question the repetition of a 9 to 5 job, signifying that working for money and consuming material goods won't bring true happiness.
Chart Performance
Upon its release as a single in September 2000, the song reached number 19 in the UK Singles Chart and also found success in other European countries like France and Belgium.
Music Video
The music video for "Slave to the Wage" was directed by Howard Greenhalgh and depicts Placebo playing the song in a giant pinball machine.
Cover Art
The cover art for the single features a symbol for Mercury, the alchemical symbol, a reference to frontman Brian Molko's androgynous image and the album's broader themes around drug use and commercialism.
Critical Reception
Critics often praise "Slave to the Wage" for its energetic performance and insightful social commentary, considering it one of the band's standout tracks.
Live Performances
The band has frequently performed the song during live concerts, and it is often considered a fan favorite.
Influences
The sound of "Slave to the Wage" combines the influence of punk, grunge, and pop, mirroring Placebo's overall eclectic style.
Lyrics
The lyric "run away from all your boredom" encourages listeners to break free from the routine mundanity of life, symbolizing the central theme of the song.

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