This song was inspired by my love of cop shows. At the time it was written (early 2007), I was particularly into The Shield, a great show about a group of four dirty cop pals in an otherwise upstanding branch of the LAPD. On The Take was written quickly and easily - the "bullet" verse and the sing-songy chorus just flew out of me one day when I was playing guitar at my mom's house.
I wish they all came out as easy. In the years since, this has been one of my favourite songs to play. The repetitive nature of the verses and the anthemic-yet-taunting sing-along chorus seem to echo with audiences wherever it's played. - Steve
lyrics
Every day stomach ache, don't ask me why
Each of us on the take, don't ask me why
Every day wide awake, don't ask me why
Making my last mistake, don't ask me why
Bullet, I took a bullet for you
I got a metal, I got a metal screw
I took a bullet, I took a bullet proof vest
I got a medal pinned to my chest
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
Why should I keep quiet for you
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
Why should I keep quiet for you
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
Wire, I gotta wire the funds
I gotta fire, I gotta fire my gun
I got wired, got wired on drugs
I got wired, the telephone is bugged
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
Why should I keep quiet for you
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
What the hell am I supposed to do
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
I will not keep quiet for you
I'm a cop, you're a cop, you're a dirty cop
Two new songs from the Nashville musician (and drummer in Sad Baxter) reveal a talent for rock hooks and anthemic power pop aesthetics. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 11, 2022