Fuller Plate

I used to walk in grinning a grin The work day ahead would be full With projects that some would call dull Repetitive tasks, weigh this, empty that It ain't as bad as it sounds The rhythm of hours going 'round And I did not mind filling the time I felt comfortable within the lull I was happy to work for a fuller plate Well, the day came around when they sat me down And told me I worked very hard Said that I would go far One more dollar an hour, how's that for more power I said yes without batting an eye With that I was saying goodbye To the rhythms I loved, the rag and the glove The product I handled with care A much bigger share meant a fuller plate Now the office is cold, I'm mostly alone Supervisors don't have many friends The view from the top's a dead end Why did I say yes to this extra stress For a menial uptick in pay And longer work days Less of my own time, more frantic at-home time What would the manager say If I were to clear my plate The alarm clock goes off, I sigh and I scoff Reluctantly leave the warm sheets Where the love of my life softly sleeps I rub my eyes, another dream dies As I step out into the cold Where's the wonder I used to behold When I would walk in grinning a grin Before the man put me on skates All for the sake of a fuller plate