“Money Honey” by the King himself, Elvis Presley. Released in 1956, this track is a fascinating glimpse into the raw energy and lyrical themes that propelled Elvis to superstardom.
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While not one of his chart-topping hits, “Money Honey” deserves a place in the pantheon of early rock and roll for its infectious rhythm and its portrayal of a relatable struggle – love tested by financial hardship.
The song opens with a bluesy urgency. The insistent ringing of the doorbell sets the scene for a confrontation between a young man and his landlord. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of financial strain, with Elvis letting the doorbell ring “for a long, long spell” before even bothering to answer.
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This initial scene establishes the tension that runs throughout the song: the pressure of financial woes threatening the stability of a young love.
Elvis’s signature vocals take center stage as he pleads with his “baby.” The call-and-response format between the singer and his love interest is pure rock and roll. The repeated refrain of “Money, honey” is both desperate and playful, a catchy hook that lodged itself in the minds of early rock and roll fans.
There’s a delightful subversion of the typical love song trope here. Elvis isn’t singing about grand gestures or promises of eternal devotion. He’s laying it bare: without financial security, their relationship is on shaky ground.
The woman’s response, “Money, honey. Money, honey. Money, if you want to get along with me.” is equally frank. It’s a portrayal of a working-class reality, where love and romance have to contend with the harsh realities of making ends meet.
“Money Honey” isn’t advocating for materialism. It’s a reflection of the times, a time when post-war America was experiencing a period of economic boom, but financial insecurity remained a concern for many young couples just starting out. The song resonates because it acknowledges this truth – that even the strongest feelings can be strained by the everyday pressures of life.
However, the song doesn’t end on a purely pragmatic note. The final verse suggests a newfound cynicism. Elvis sings, “I’ve learned my lesson and now I know” There’s a hint of world-weariness in his voice, a suggestion that love may not be enough to conquer all, especially in the face of financial hardship.
“Money Honey” may not be Elvis Presley’s most celebrated song, but it’s a vital piece of the rock and roll puzzle. It’s a raw, energetic track that captures the spirit of a bygone era and reminds us of the challenges young couples faced in the years following World War II.
It’s a song about love, but also about the realities of life, sung with the charisma and swagger that made Elvis Presley the King of Rock and Roll.
“Money Honey”
You know, the landlord rang my front door bell.
I let it ring for a long, long spell.
I went to the window,
I peeped through the blind,
And asked him to tell me what’s on his mind.
He said,Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey, if you want to get along with me.Well, I screamed and I hollered,
I was so hard-pressed.
I called the woman that I loved the best.
I finally got my baby about half past three,
She said I’d like to know what you want with me.
I said,Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.Well, I said tell me baby, what’s wrong with you?
From this day on our romance is through
I said, tell me baby, face to face
How could another man take my place?
She said,Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get a long with me.
Well, I’ve learned my lesson and now I know
The sun may shine and the winds may blow.
The women may come and the women may go,
But before I say I love you so,
I want
Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.