Starbucks Song Has Barista Singing the Blues

What do you do when life gets you down? Sing about it. That’s what 25 year old Starbucks Barista Christopher Cristwell did when the customer complaints at his job were overwhelming him one day. He donned his green apron and an acoustic guitar over a pair of boxer briefs and sung his heart out in a hilarious little ditty about what life is like for a barista at the country’s largest coffee shop (not doughnut shop) chain. Then he posted it to YouTube.

Starbucks corporate office didn’t think the song was so funny though and was offended so they fired him. Company  spokesman Alan Hilowitz, stated Starbucks felt that "while Christopher was expressing his own views in the video, the disparaging remarks about [Starbucks'] customers and company are unacceptable and out of line with [its] commitment to [its] customers and partners (employees)."

Christopher just thought it was a funny song and represents the way a lot of baristas feel. There were plenty of customer rants about the company posted on YouTube but not from the other side of the fence so he thought he’d add his tow cents in satire. "I understand some people could get offended by some of the lyrics, and I don't want people to think they won't get quality beverages from Starbucks," he said. "But there are moments when you're working for Starbucks that it's so stressful; if you mess one drink up, it can back everything else up."

Since losing his job he’s posted a second video explaining how much he enjoyed his 5 years of employment, the product and his co-workers at Starbucks but finishes off with a second silly song that some might consider even more offensive than the first. Personally I think both tunes are pretty funny especially because they speak the truth.

While I might fit in a couple of his customer categories I’m more amused than angered by his observations. Almost any job could offer similar explanations of stereotypes that they deal with everyday. Even though it might not be politically correct, it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

Christopher hopes Starbucks can see from his song how many of their employees may feel when at work. “In a way, I did them a favor,” he explained, “I saw this as the only way those of us on the lowest rungs of the ladder can make any changes.”

Comments across the internet support him. They praise his talent and point of view. "I really enjoy singing and songwriting. If it turns into something, that would be a dream job for me. I'll just take it as it goes, I'll roll with it." Christopher explains. Until the record contract comes in, his Facebook says he’s found work at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County.