Bleachers, Don’t Take the Money | Track Review 🎵

Bleachers (Jack Antonoff) returns with “Don’t Take the Money,” the promo single from the band’s sophomore album, Gone Now.

Bleachers – aka Jack Antonoff – returns after a three-year hiatus.  Antonoff is best known as a member of the alternative pop band, fun., fronted by Nate Ruess. His side project Bleachers first arrived in 2014 with debut LP, Strange Desire.  The biggest attraction of Strange Desire was enthusiastic, hit single, “I Wanna Get Better.” This time, Bleachers urges us “Don’t Take the Money.”

“Don’t Take the Money” has nothing to do with money, according to Antonoff.  Whether he informed us or not, analyze the lyrics and its obvious money isn’t the M.O.  Throughout the course of the record, he depicts elements of his relationship.  Some parts of the relationships are good, some are not so good.  According to Antonoff, “don’t take the money” is a phrase he says to himself in regards to a gut feeling. In the context of the chorus, he seems to embrace the push and pull of love, ultimately accepting it…maybe.

“You steal the air out of my lungs, you make me feel it
I pray for everything we lost, buy back the secrets
Your hand forever’s all I want
Don’t take the money
Don’t take the money.”

On the first verse, Antonoff takes issue with love from the jump, making one of few references to money.

“Somebody broke me once
Love was a currency
A shimmering balance act
I think that I laughed at that.”

Similarly, on the second verse, Antonoff continues to describe the plight of love. On the pre-chorus following the verses, the arduous nature of relationships unveils itself.

“Will we fight, stay up late?
In my dreams, I’m to blame
Different sides of the bed
Roll your eyes, shave my head
Now we’re stuck in the storm
We were born to ignore
And all I got is a chance to just sit
(I’m in love and you’ve got me, runaway).”

On the bridge, Antonoff seems to give advice, whether it’s self-advice or advice to others facing similar situations and decisions.

“When you’re looking at your shadow
Standing on the edge of yourself
Praying on the darkness
Just don’t take the money.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Bleachers has another potential hit on their hands.  While “Don’t Take the Money” isn’t nearly as catchy as “I Wanna Get Better,” it is a well-rounded record.  Give Antonoff props for being clever considering “Don’t Take the Money” isn’t a financial statement.

Bleachers • Gone Now • RCA • Release: 6.2.17

Photo Credit: RCA