Candy Coated Razor Blades

[Verse 1]
Got a gift, got a trick up my sleeve
Couldn't make it onstage, went behind the scenes
Got a resume can drop a few names
Got nothing to say but can talk for days
Got that it factor, good at the chitter chatter, persuade, and flatter
Rock stars and actors
Always someone else more cunning and craftier

Young blood, with new tricks and stunts
Bigwigs, with big sticks and guns
Keep you on your toes with your hands on your holsters
You can bump heads or you can rub shoulders
Flattery's a weapon, gunshot wink
Full contact sport the town plays dirty
Busted and bloody stay hungry and thirsty
We've come a long way and don't plan to leave

Only so much space, we all can't stay
Limited funds, limited accolades
And a friend ain’t a friend if there's nothing to gain
Or a potential influencer to entertain
We all migrate for our piece of the pie
Use up the resources till the well is dry
The weak never stay only the strong survive
And if you don’t learn the game kiss away the goodbye

Push your way to the front of the line
Are you on the guest list
Act like you belong even when you’re not welcome
So ambitious
And the good guys don’t seem to get ahead
Graveyards and skeletons
This city was built brick by brick
By people willing to abuse it

[Chorus]
When does hustling make you desperate
When does hustling make you reckless
When does hustling turn to begging
When does hustling leave you helpless
Smile in my face
Candy coated razor blades
(x2)

[Verse 2]
Media execs dust a rolodex
Big fish swimming in a dried up pond
Living off past success
Everyone paranoid of keeping a job
Old money middlemen
Got a lifestyle that needs maintaining
Better know the hand you’re shaking
Better know the deal you’re making

Times are changing industry’s hurting
Gatekeepers lost the keys
Faking power moves chasing prestige
Talking about your next move sounds like the last thing
Look busy, got places to be
The bullshit’s exhausting, no rest for the weary

By any necessary to maintain relevance
Blow with the wind
Got everyone around look confused and convinced
Masters of deception
Good idea they'll take the credit
Don’t take it personal, it’s just business
Made taking a shit sound like a strategic initiative

These positioners has cast a long shadow
Talk a big game, and blow their smoke
Poison your drink then propose a toast
There’s an art to getting ahead, don’t you know
Well it can make you anxious give you two faces
So much passion wasted
If sincerity’s in your voice hold it sacred

[Chorus]
When this hustling make you desperate
When this hustling make you reckless
When this hustling turn to begging
When this hustling leave you helpless
Smile in my face
Candy coated razor blades
(Repeat x4)