Money Honey

Clyde McPhatter

About Money Honey

"Money Honey" is a song written by Jesse Stone, which was released in September 1953 by Clyde McPhatter backed for the first time by the newly formed Drifters. McPhatter's voice, but not his name, had become well known when he was the lead singer for Billy Ward and the Dominoes. The song was an immediate hit and remained on the rhythm and blues chart for 23 weeks, peaking at number 1. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 252 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The recording was reported to have sold more than two million copies by 1968.  


Year:
2006
2:59
41 

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You know, the landlord rang my front door bell
I let it ring for a long, long spell
I looked through the window, I peeked through the blind,
And asked him to tell me what was on his mind.
He said, "Money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me."

I was cleaned and skinned and so hard-pressed
I called the woman that I love the best
I finally reached my baby 'bout a 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."

She screamed and said, "What's wrong with you?
From this day on, our romance is through."
I said, "Tell me, baby, face to face
A-how could another man take my place?"
She said, "Money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me."

Well, I learned my lesson and now I know
The sun may shine and the wind may blow
Women may come, and the women may go,
But before I say I love 'em so,
I want-- money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.
(If you want to get along) Well, make some money
(If you want to get along) Well, I ain't jivin' you, honey
(If you want to get along) You better give up some money
If you want to get along with me.

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Clyde McPhatter

Clyde Lensley McPhatter (November 15, 1932 – June 13, 1972) was an American R&B singer, perhaps the most widely imitated R&B singer of the 1950s and 1960s, making him a key figure in the shaping of doo-wop and R&B. He had high-pitched tenor, that was steeped in the gospel music he sang in much of his younger life. He is best known for his solo hit "A Lover's Question". McPhatter was lead tenor for The Mount Lebanon Singers, a gospel group he formed as a teenager.; and later, lead tenor for Billy Ward and His Dominoes. McPhatter was largely responsible for the success the Dominoes initially enjoyed. After his tenure with the Dominoes, McPhatter formed his own group, The Drifters before going solo. Only 39 at the time of his death, he had struggled … more »

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Written by: JESSE STONE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Money Honey" was recorded in 1953 and is widely considered one of the first rock and roll songs.
Artist's Influence
Clyde McPhatter was an influential figure in R&B and rock and roll. His unique high-pitched tenor voice made a significant impact on these genres.
Song Creation
"Money Honey" was written by Jesse Stone, a songwriter and arranger who played a defining role in shaping R&B music.
The Drifters Involvement
Aside from McPhatter's leading vocals, it was The Drifters' harmonies that provided the song its distinctive sound and depth.
Chart Performance
The song not only climbed to the top of the Billboard R&B charts in the United States but it also remained there for eleven weeks.
Later Covers
Many respected artists covered the song after its release, including Elvis Presley, who added his own twist to it during his early career.
Racial Controversy
"Money Honey" was released during a time of racial division in the US. The acceptance of its success marked a milestone in the racial integration of popular music.
Legacy and Influence
In 2010, Rolling Stone Magazine included "Money Honey" in their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Record Label
"Money Honey" was one of the first major hits for Atlantic Records, an American record label founded in 1947.
Cultural Impact
Its lyrical reference to money and its link to happiness emphasized the materialistic culture that was taking root during the prosperous post-war era in the 1950s.

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