Peanut pay

Verse 1
September brings the fresh-faced crowd
The lesson plans are stacked up high
I trace the lines and speak out loud
Underneath a fluorescent sky
Grading papers past midnight blue
Markers drying on the desk
Giving everything I have to you
While my bank account is in distress

Chorus
Oh, they call it a noble art
But devotion doesn't clear the tab
Trading pieces of my heavy heart
For the meager little coins they hand
Yeah, it’s peanut pay for a golden rule
Pouring riches in an empty room
They want a miracle inside the school
On a peanut pay that fades too soon

Verse 2
Bought the crayons and the printer sheets
Out of pocket just to help them grow
The grocery aisle is full of grief
Checking balances before I go
Master’s degree hanging on the wall
Frame cost more than my weekly raise
Standing straight while the systems fall
Counting dollars at the end of days

Chorus
Oh, they call it a noble art
But devotion doesn't clear the tab
Trading pieces of my heavy heart
For the meager little coins they hand
Yeah, it’s peanut pay for a golden rule
Pouring riches in an empty room
They want a miracle inside the school
On a peanut pay that fades too soon

Bridge
We mold the future with our bare hands
Doctors, builders, and the CEOs
But the budget makers don't understand
How the debt just grows and grows
You can't pay the rent with inspiration
You can't buy bread with pure esteem
We are anchoring a whole nation
On a broken financial dream

Verse 3
The morning bell rings out once more
I wipe the chalkboard clean and bright
I leave my worries at the door
And guide my students to the light
I love this job, I truly do
But love won't keep the heaters on
When the final monthly bill is due
And the last cent is entirely gone

Chorus
Oh, they call it a noble art
But devotion doesn't clear the tab
Trading pieces of my heavy heart
For the meager little coins they hand
Yeah, it’s peanut pay for a golden rule
Pouring riches in an empty room
They want a miracle inside the school
On a peanut pay that fades too soon

Outro
Peanut pay
Yeah, it's just peanut pay
Valued in gold, paid in crumbs
Waiting for the change to come
Peanut pay

Reggae roots