2025 Competition Entry:

20% by Earl Benedict

Genre

Folk

Artist

Website

Co-writer(s)

no

Performer(s)

The Cheater B’s. My band mates: Meg and Tom Vandenbosch and Dave Simmons. Recorded in the living room of a sound engineer student at Hope College in Holland, MI

Description

Post-divorce blues about losing money through alimony payments. But trying to maintain good with the ex-wife for family sake.

Bio

Earl Benedict: A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter
Earl is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who has been engaging audiences with his singing, guitar, and harmonica skills as a member of the West Michigan Americana quintet, The Cheater B’s, for nearly a decade. A veteran of the Muskegon underground music scene, Earl has also played bass for the punk rock band J2K2 and the Christian metal band Jericho Road.
In addition to his primary instruments, Earl is proficient in playing the banjo, melodica, penny whistle, saxophone, spoons, and various other keyboard and wind instruments. As the principal songwriter for The Cheater B’s, he has crafted numerous songs that resonate with fans. Earl’s musical journey is marked by his work in diverse creative endeavors, showcasing his range and passion for music.

Lyrics

20 %


Intro: |: A E :| X2

V1: A walk down G E
No direct deposit or pay roll deductions
A walk down G E
Pen to paper the checks in the mail
D A Bm
But it’s only money

Chorus: E Bm walk down to A
Writing checks to the ex
A E
For 20 years of less-than-bliss
E Bm walk down to A
No deadline met without a text
A E
20 percent is what she gets


V2: A walk down G E
The alimony ordered by the courts
A walk down G E
Hurts me more than the child support
D A Bm
But it’s only money

Chorus:

Bridge: D A E D A Bm
|: E Bm A E :| X2 (like the chorus)

V3: A walk down G E
Just another way to pay my dues
A walk down G E
And it’s a good way to keep tabs on you
D A Bm
What a wild ride honey

Chorus:

Leave a comment

  1. The entire song submission process was bumpy. I also have a band webpage on Facebook that I neglected to share. Am hopeful that you received that you need for a successful submission. Kevin AKA Earl