Price to Play

"Price to Play" is a song by American rock band Staind. It was the lead single from their fourth album, 14 Shades of Grey. "Price to Play" was released in advance and became a hit, charting high on both rock charts (number two on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and number six on the Modern Rock Tracks) and peaking within the top 100 of the Billboard Hot 100 at number 66. It was also the official theme song of WWE's Vengeance 2003 event.

"Price to Play"
Single by Staind
from the album 14 Shades of Grey
Released	April 1, 2003
Recorded	2003
Genre	Alternative metal nu metal
Length	3:35
Label	Elektra
Songwriter(s)	Aaron Lewis Mike Mushok Johnny April Jon Wysocki
Producer(s)	Josh Abraham
Staind singles chronology
"Epiphany" (2002) "Price to Play" (2003) "So Far Away" (2003)

Themes and composition

Frontman Aaron Lewis explained that the song was the last song written and recorded for the 14 Shades of Grey album, and the lyrics initially were influenced from his frustrations that the band was so close to done with finishing the album.^[1] He explained:

Lyrically, what started the song was my frustrations with having to be back in the studio writing more songs and feeling like we were underneath somebody's thumb, but it turned into a song that just applies to life in general. And it's kind of tongue-in-cheek because life isn't a game, but it's the price we pay to play this game that we call life.^[1]

Similarly, Lewis stated the song was about the physical and mental toll of working in the music industry.^[2] While 14 Shades of Grey was less heavy than previous Staind albums at that time, "Price to Play" retained Staind's heavier and more aggressive sound, with heavy guitars in the verses, soaring vocal harmonies, and melody/harmony guitars to complement the vocals.^{[citation needed]}

Track listing

1. "Price to Play"
2. "Let It Out"
3. "Can't Believe" (Live Version from MTV Unplugged)

Charts

Chart performance for "Price to Play"

Chart (2003)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[3]	66
Ireland (IRMA)[4]	41
UK Singles (OCC)[5]	36
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[6]	6
US Billboard Hot 100[7]	66
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[8]	2

References

1. Wiederhorn, Jon (May 28, 2003). "Born Of Frustration, 'Price to Play' Is Paying Off For Staind". MTV. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
2. D'Angelo, Joe (March 10, 2003). "New Staind LP Marked By Grey Matters". MTV. Archived from the original on November 30, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
3. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 265.
4. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Staind". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
5. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
6. "Staind Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
7. "Staind Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
8. "Staind Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved January 26, 2020.