“Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” by Simply Red
As the title suggests, “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” is based on the economic hardships which its narrator is going through. More specifically it was penned during an era when the United States was enduring a recession under President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989). And accordingly, the singer namedrops President Reagan (as well as his wife Nancy) in a not-so-flattering manner.
Song’s Narrative
The narrative contained therein is pretty-easy to follow. The singer is stressed out because he’s broke, and on top of his own individual concerns he has his kids to worry about. Additionally his unemployment benefits have now expired. So he gets in touch with his brother, father and a bank in search of financial support and is turned down by all three of these parties. And as for his father and brother, the implication is that they can’t help because they too are going through similar hardships. Or stated differently, the issue the singer is going through is affecting others in the society and not just himself.
So once again the blame seems to fall back on Ronald Reagan. The singer is angry at him because he and his underlings have ‘passed all kinds of bills’ which in actuality have not helped the economy at all. Or looked at from a different perspective, the narrator knows the money is out there but has zero access to it. So the song ends with him basically stating his desire to get his hands on a considerable amount of monetary wealth.
Facts about “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)”
This is the cover of a song that a duo known as The Valentine Brothers originally dropped in 1982. As such, its writers are credited as John and William Valentine.
Simply Red’s rendition came out on 1 May 1985 as the lead single from their maiden album, “Picture Book”. The label that put it out is Elektra Records. And the producer was someone who went on to work with Simply Red regularly, Stewart Levine.
This song made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 and also peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. And overall it charted in almost 10 countries.
NOTE:
“Picture Book” also produced Simply Red’s Grammy nominated hit single “Holding Back the Years“.
Singer songwriter, Simply Red’s song 🎵 about, “Money’s too tight to mention” I truly feel transcends all families @ one time or another. Most have struggled with their relationship to & from money 💰!! If you’re one who’s frugal w/ it than it may dominate & control your view of the world. Which is quite negative, ultimately depressing & not healthy for your soul.. You never enjoy the labors of your hard work & Fall deeply into a fear of money!! I have always had a most wonderful relationship w/ money when of course another was paying for my bills (credit cards 💳 were definitely worth the joyous and fancied ride that proved to be a most cherished extravaganza!! Indeed, I paid back those cherished extravaganzas when the bills came across my lovers computer!! We all pay one way or another for our seductive dance 💃 w/ money!!! So in essence is money ever worth being mentioned about (unless it’s done in the confines of those that I’m trusting really matter, & can knowledgeable, & calming discuss money 💰?? GOOD LUCK 🍀 I SAY, FOR THAT’S NOT BEEN EXACTLY A SUCCESS W/ Me & Yours truly???!!!) In all HONESTY, I WAS RAISED THAT ONE NEVER TRULY MENTIONS MONEY FOR IT WAS ALWAYS, YES ALWAYS IN BAD TASTE & NOTHING GOOD COULD EVER COME OF IT OR FROM IT!! Point in question though IS WHY THEN CAN I NEVER HAVE A CALM, MATURE QUESTION W/ MY HUSBAND ABOUT $$$ Because he literally goes OFF HIS TOP & ZERO COMMUNICATION EVER HAPPENS!! So although, it was my “Beauty, Societal Status, Brain’s, & Athletic prowess that consumed him during the chase, for he DEFINITELY ENJOYED THE CHASE!! It’s undeniably now his undoing for he went after what he ultimately couldn’t & maybe shouldn’t have!!! Why??? Because, HE’S SO DISTRESSINGLY FRUGAL THAT YOU’D THINK HE GREW UP DOING THAT HORRIFIC TIME IN SOCIETY-THE GREAT DEPRESSION, BUT, NOT A CHANCE!!!! Undeniably, Simply Reds song 🎵 “Money’s too tight too mention” there lies it’s own truth!!! WHERE U ASK?? RIGHT THERE IN ITS TITLE—-And just how the proper lessons taught by your Mother & Father are just that :: Lessons in MORALS, FAITH & BELIEF IN A MERCIFUL, & LOVING GOD!! KNOWING THAT WE ALL HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE IN THIS LIFE BUT TO “KEEP ON TRUCKIN, DO WE??!! His song 🎶 is magical, mystifying & engrossing & THAT IS WHY IT SHALL ALWAYS STAND THE TEST OF TIME!!!!