The Daddies' music is primarily a mix of swing, ska and rock, characterized by a prominent horn section and sardonic, often morbid, lyricism. While the band's earliest albums were rooted predominantly in punk rock and funk, their subsequent studio albums have since incorporated influences from many diverse genres of popular music and Americana into their sound, including rockabilly, glam rock, psychedelia, rhythm and blues, country, soul and world music.
Millionaire
Cherry Poppin' Daddies Lyrics
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Cause I kept getting on my feet after all the times you knocked me down.
Went back to see the place I came from and I began to understand my pride
From the brick streets a northern factory town where Grandma's work improved my chances
Common man, this is me, I'm not ashamed to be here I am this is me.
I'm glad you're uncomfortable near me
You see me standin out on fifth and union right across from the abandoned drive-in
The sun's gone down on the future here, the past one leaves my mind
The rich boys gave up on you but the soul out here is much too strong
And I'll carry it with me for my whole life, the face of human dignity
I don't have to be the boy with the most cake. I don't have to be the boy with the most cake
Still I'm a millionaire.
In "Millionaire" by Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the lyrics detail the journey of the singer from coming from humble beginnings in a northern factory town to becoming a millionaire. The first verse talks about the determination that the singer has to keep getting back up even after being knocked down multiple times. The second verse talks about how the singer's pride comes from his upbringing in a brick-street factory town and how his grandma's hard work improved his chances of success. The chorus states that despite never having anything or anyone to care for him, he is still a millionaire.
The song also talks about the difference in wealth and social status between the singer and the rich boys who have given up on the area. The singer stands on Fifth and Union, across from the abandoned drive-in, with the sun gone down on the future of the area. Despite this, the soul of the area is still strong and the singer will carry it with him for his whole life, as it is the face of human dignity.
Overall, "Millionaire" is a song that celebrates hard work, determination, and the ability to rise above humble beginnings. It also comments on the importance of connecting with one's roots and community, even after achieving financial success.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you read the determination on my face; I'm as solid as the gravel now.
I am confident and unyielding despite previous setbacks, as evidenced by my determined expression and steadfastness.
Cause I kept getting on my feet after all the times you knocked me down.
Despite facing repeated obstacles and failures, I persisted and managed to rise again each time I fell.
Went back to see the place I came from and I began to understand my pride
Returning to my humble origins helped me grasp the importance of my self-worth and dignity.
From the brick streets a northern factory town where Grandma's work improved my chances
Growing up in a working-class area taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice, particularly through the efforts of my grandmother.
Common man, this is me, I'm not ashamed to be here I am this is me.
I proudly identify as a regular person who is comfortable with who I am and where I come from, even if it may not be glamorous or prestigious.
I'm glad you're uncomfortable near me
I take pleasure in discomfiting those who may be uncomfortable around me due to their own biases or prejudices.
Never had nothin never no one to care, nothin but the wind in my hair, still I'm a millionaire
Despite lacking material wealth and support from others, I still feel rich and fulfilled due to my inner strength and resilience.
You see me standin out on fifth and union right across from the abandoned drive-in
I am noticeable and unapologetic about my presence in a downtrodden area, symbolized by the abandoned drive-in.
The sun's gone down on the future here, the past one leaves my mind
The future of this area may seem bleak and uncertain, but I choose to focus on moving forward and leaving behind negative thoughts of the past.
The rich boys gave up on you but the soul out here is much too strong
Despite being abandoned by those with financial power and influence, the community still possesses a strong sense of resilience and spirit.
And I'll carry it with me for my whole life, the face of human dignity
I am committed to valuing and upholding the dignity of all human beings, especially those who may be overlooked or marginalized.
I don't have to be the boy with the most cake. I don't have to be the boy with the most cake
I do not need to possess excessive or unnecessary wealth in order to feel successful or content with my life.
Still I'm a millionaire.
Despite lacking traditional markers of financial success, I feel rich and fulfilled in other facets of my life.
Contributed by Sophie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.