"Price to Play" is a song by American rock band Staind.

It was the lead single from their fourth album, 14 Shades of Grey.

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.

[1]Similarly, Lewis stated the song was about the physical and mental toll of working in the music industry.

[2] 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.