"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)" (sometimes stylized as "Money$ Too Tight (to Mention)" in some of its single and album releases) is a song written and first recorded by
The Valentine Brothers, John Valentine and Billy Valentine, and released as a single in 1982. Their version peaked at number 41 on the ''
Billboard'' R&B chart. The song was ranked at number six among the top 10 "Tracks of the Year" for 1982 by ''
NME''.
"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)" was covered by British pop and soul group
Simply Red
Simply Red are a British soul and pop band formed in Manchester in 1985. The lead vocalist of the band is singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall, who, by the time the band initially disbanded in 2010, was the only original member left. Since the ...
in 1985 as their debut single. The single went to number 13 on the
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...
in July 1985 and number 28 on the US ''Billboard''
Hot 100 chart in 1986. The song was also an international hit, reaching the top 40 in several countries.
The lyrics concern a person with economic problems, and mention
Reaganomics, a set of economic policies implemented by
U.S. president
Ronald Reagan in order to
encourage the growth of the American economy. The lyrics include the lines "the old man that's over the hill", and "did the earth move for you, Nancy?" He wants to borrow money, first from his brother who responds,"Brother I'd like to help you but I'm unable to", then to his "Father, Father, almighty Father" who then responds "Money's too tight to mention".
A
pastiche
A pastiche is a work of visual art, literature, theatre, music, or architecture that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists. Unlike parody, pastiche pays homage to the work it imitates, rather than mocking it ...
of the song was recorded and used as the theme song for the Australian investment television program ''
Money
Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money ar ...
'' (1993–2002). Another pastiche was recorded for ''
Bo Selecta'' in segments featuring
Leigh Francis's impression of Hucknall.
Track listings
* 7" single
# Money's Too Tight (To Mention) 3:38
# (Open Up the) Red Box 3:55
* 12" single
# Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (The Cutback Mix) 8:40
# Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Single Version) 3:38
# Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Dub Version) 6:43
Charts
The Valentine Brothers version
Simply Red version
See also
*
Ronald Reagan in music
References
1982 songs
1985 debut singles
Elektra Records singles
Simply Red songs
Songs about poverty
Songs about Ronald Reagan
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