"Price to Play" is a song by American rock band Staind. It was released as the lead single from their fourth album, 14 Shades of Grey, on April 7, 2003. "Price to Play" was released in advance of the album and became a hit on US rock radio, charting at number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number six on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It served as the official theme song of WWE's Vengeance 2003 event.
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. He explained:
Similarly, Lewis stated the song was about the physical and mental toll of working in the music industry. 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.
Track listing "Price to Play" "Let It Out" "Can't Believe" (live version from MTV Unplugged)
Charts
Weekly charts + Chart (2003) Peakposition scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row"
Year-end charts + Chart (2003) Position US Mainstream Rock Tracks (Billboard) 28 US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard) 35
Release history + Region Date Format(s) Label(s) United States April 7, 2003 United Kingdom May 12, 2003 Australia May 19, 2003 CD
References