Slidin' Scale

For ten dollars, I will dance for you.
Your eyes tell me that you want me to.
Your hand reaches out, to touch my skin,
But I say "Stop!" Ten bucks is just where my rates begin.

For ten more dollars, you can touch me there.
It'll cost another twenty to touch me everywhere.
Give me 50 bucks - we'll go out back where no one can see,
And I'll give you just enough so you'll want more from me.

I'll take your money, on a Slidin' Scale.
Sooner or later you'll give me all that you've got 'cause I never fail.
I'll surf the waves of your desire; I know just how to lead you on.
And though every step just costs you a little bit more,
Pretty soon your money's gone.

I'll take your money, on a Slidin' Scale.
Sooner or later you'll give me all that you've got 'cause I never fail.
I'll surf the waves of your desire; I know just how to lead you on.
And though every step just costs you a little bit more,
Pretty soon your money's gone.

I'll give you ten bucks to pay attention to me.
With middle age comes invisibility.
Don't turn your back on me now, I'll give you ten more to stay.
And there's more where that came from if you'll chase my blues away.

I want to be desired again. It would feel so sweet.
I give you more cash; you move in close; I feel your heat.
But when I look in your eyes, I don't like the truth I see.
You bat for the other team, and you feel nothing for me.

You're just a-workin', on a Slidin' Scale.
Sooner or later I'll give you all that I've got 'cause you never fail.
You'll surf the waves of my desire; You know just how to lead me on.
And though every step just costs me a little bit more.

Pretty soon my money's gone.

I know you're just workin' on a Slidin' Scale,
And that would be OK, except for one detail.
I feel as empty as my wallet, when we're through.
'Cause though I touched your skin, I never touched you.

"Slidin' Scale" Copyright 2004 Paul James Frantz (ASCAP)