Funky Friday & The Money's Too Tight To Mention


UPDATE - the initial post of this failed to link to anything. My bad. The link is now working. Thank you.

Today's funky Friday selection is another classic 12" of the early '80s - Simply Red's cover of Money's Too Tight To Mention, a 1982 R&B hit by the Valentine Brothers. The song is a harsh critique that lambasted the then-in-power Reagan administration's fiscal and social policies. What's scary is that now, some 20 years later, the same lyrics can be applied to our current Bush administration - it's just Bush-anomics instead. I remember being impressed by the band's funkiness, and the way this crazy red haired white boy could sound so soulful. They went on to conquer the world with their debut album Picture Book and it's big single Holding Back The Years. Over the next few years they leaned increasingly towards bland easy listening music and I lost interest. Good thing there's this to remember them by.

Money's Too Tight To Mention (Cutback Mix)

I been laid off from work my rent is due
My kids all need brand new shoes
So I went to the bank to see what they could do
They said: son look like bad luck got a hold on you

Money's too tight to mention
I can't get an unemployment extension
Money's too tight to mention

I went to my brother to see what he could do
He said brother I'd like to help but I'm unable to
So called on my father, oh father
Almighty father, he said:

Money's too tight to mention
Oh money money money money
Money's too tight to mention
I can't even qualify for my pension

We're talking 'bout Reagan'omics
Oh lord down in the Congress
They're passing all kinds of bills
From down on Capitol Hill, we've tried it

Money's too tight to mention - Cutback
Money's too tight to mention
Oh money money money money

We're talking 'bout money money
We're talking 'bout money money
We're talking 'bout money money
We're talking 'bout money money
money money money . .

We're talking 'bout the dollar bill
And that old man that's over the hill
Now what are we all to do
When money's got a hold on you?

Money's too tight to mention
Oh money money money money
Money's too tight to mention
Dinero – money Oh

I’m talking 'bout money money
I’m talking 'bout money money
Yeah I’m talking 'bout it
I’m talking 'bout money money

Did the earth move for you Nancy?
Did the earth move for you Nancy?
Did the earth move for you Nancy?
Did the earth move for you Nancy?

Yeah I’m talkin’ Nancy
Yeah I’m talkin’ Nancy

Yeah I’m talkin’ Nancy
Yeah I’m talkin’ bout it

Yeah I want some money money money
Read my heaven, Oh my
The sight of all that money