I Am the Manager

Commissioned by Ali Mohammad, who wanted a song on the theme

Fuck you Karen! even though I have several wonderful friends named Karen!

An 80s synth-pop fantasy, featuring Allison Berger on vocals.

This song is about recognizing one's own sense of entitlement as a yearning for care, and choosing not to be an asshole. I took the liberty of interpreting "Karen-ness" as "belligerent entitlement", and made the man the antagonist in this fable.

Lyrics

HE
I’ve been waiting in line forever
And now you say my order will take time
And the way you’re treating me this morning
Is just a crime

Tell your manager I want to see him
I’ll have you fired before I spend a dime
And I want to know

Do you know who I am
I am the customer

SHE
I have wanted this life forever
I pour my soul into each moment here
And though I don’t often lose my temper
I’m very near

Look at everyone you see around you
We’re all just trying to survive this year
And I want to know

Do you know who I am
I am the manager

HE
I feel a sorrow I can’t contain
And I wander alone in my brain
We look to each other for love in our pain

SHE
In my world I’m free
To think of us as a family
And that is why
We look to each other for love in our pain

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