In this poem we could frame the artist’s actions as a bold act of self-assertion. He starts by rejecting audience money and the “high-life,” wanting only “togetherness” and a “happy life.” However, he realizes that to achieve his vision of togetherness and happiness, he must take control of his own destiny, even if it means using his power and influence to get what he wants. The final line “Now I want your dime” signifies his acceptance of his role and his willingness to use his position to build the life he desires, on his own terms.

The artist is looking at the door,
Slowly moving towards no-more.
He sips from the cup and makes a forced joke,
The restaurant air feels like a yoke.
Then he wails, squeezing audience hearts hard,
This is their reward.

When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
I don’t want your dime.

All I want is a happy life.
You people should stay here with your high-life.
I’ll strife,
I’ll pull a knife,
I’ll take your wife.
That’s my life.

When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
I don’t want your dime.

Togetherness is the one word,
That means to me a world.
Do you know what is means to be together?
I want to be like that forever.

When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
When it’s time to leave, it’s time,
Now I want your dime.

As I no longer want to rhyme.