Punk Rock Explained Lyrics - Screeching Weasel

You start out with a punk rock band just trying to have fun 

Your lousy seven inch is not impressing anyone 

You get you first show and you're ready to go when you're stopped by the firechief 

Do not pass go do not collect your ten bucks gas money 

But pretty soon you're playing almost constantly 

You buy a crappy rusted out old van 

You leave your mom's house happy to be on your own 

And move in with the rest of your band 

You get a record deal with a big label on the coast 

You feel important as you eat your Ramen and your toast 

Your money is spent and you can't pay the rent but you're having a gay old time 

You don't have cash for food but you still get drunk every night 

The local fanzines all start wanting interviews 

And then you're in Maximum Rock n' Roll 

Your record starts to sell and you get paid for it 

But the fun's just starting now hit the road 

The merchandise is selling out you're the talk of the scene 

The profit margins far exceed your most orgasmic dreams 

But touring feels wrong when they're shouting out songs or punching you in the mouth 

The ones who don't want your autograph scream at you that you've sold out 

You wonder why you ever got involved in this 

You find yourself despising all your fans 

Your appointments with accountants and your lawyers are 

More important than the stupid punk band 

You come out with a half assed record made too fast 

You hate your band and they think you're a jerk 

And suddenly you're not the hottest thing around 

It's time for a career in spoken word