Clowney made his first record in 1956 under his own name but it was not until three years later that he scored a major success using the stage name Dave "Baby" Cortez. His instrumental, "The Happy Organ", was the first pop/rock hit to feature the electronic organ as lead instrument. The 45rpm single went to No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart.
Cortez had another Top Ten hit in 1962 with "Rinky Dink" on Chess Records.
Happy Organ
Dave "Baby" Cortez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
You're lovin' gives me a thrill
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want, wah
Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
Well now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, I wanna be free
Oh I want money
That's what I want
That's what I want, well
Now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, you need money
Now, give me money
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
The lyrics to Dave "Baby" Cortez's song "Happy Organ" are all about the importance of money in the singer's life. The song starts off by talking about how the best things in life are free, but the singer doesn't want those things - they want money. They even say that the things that are usually considered free (like love and affection) aren't enough to pay their bills. Instead, they need money to feel free and happy. The chorus repeats the phrase "that's what I want" several times, emphasizing the theme of the song.
The second verse repeats the same sentiment about love not being enough to sustain the singer - they need money. But then, the singer acknowledges that money doesn't get everything. However, they quickly follow that up by saying that whatever money can't get, they can't use anyway - suggesting that money really is the key to their happiness. By the end of the song, the singer is practically begging for money, telling listeners to "give me money" several times in a row. The repetition of this phrase drives home the idea that money is the most important thing in the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
The best things in life are free
Although the best things in life are free, they are not valuable enough to be worth keeping for yourself.
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
You can give away the best things in life to those who do not understand their true value.
Now give me money
Despite the value of free things, it is preferable to have money instead.
That's what I want
Money is the only thing that matters to me.
You're lovin' gives me a thrill
Although your love is wonderful, it does not help me pay my bills.
But you're lovin' don't pay my bills
Love is not enough to survive on; one also needs money.
Money don't get everything it's true
Money may not provide everything one needs in life.
What it don't get, I can't use
However, things that money cannot buy are not useful to me.
That's what I want, wah
Despite the limitations of money, that is still what I want.
Now give me money
I am willing to ask for and demand money as it is my top priority.
Wow, yeah, I wanna be free
Money will give me the freedom to live my life as I desire.
Oh I want money
Money is something that I crave and cannot live without.
Well now give me money
I am still insisting that you give me money.
A lot of money
I want a substantial amount of money, not just a little.
Wow, yeah, you need money
Everyone needs money, and it is not something to be ashamed of wanting.
That's what I want, yeah
Once again, I reiterate that money is the only thing I want.
That's what I want
Money is my ultimate goal and the most important thing in my life.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@pamalford8319
Skated to this tune at roller rinks in the early 60's. I can still feel the wind flying through my hair going around those corners. What fun!
@harryknackers7892
This song is so far ahead of its time, the world still hasn't caught up.
@theloanranger2632
Is your name really Harry Knackers?? What the frick...
@kristopherguilbault5428
@@theloanranger2632 are u really the lone ranger? My Father worked at a place where he gave out business loans so his handle on everything was always the "Loan" Ranger lol
@Luke-im8sv
@@kristopherguilbault5428 That’s quite Clever of your pops to do that… he sounds like a pleasant man ❤
@skeletonshorror5184
Totally, it’s amazing
@BlazeRobbinsForever
I literally love this music! May it live on!
@marialeblanc3434
I have loved this song since it came out in 1958 I'm 77 now and I have Alexa play it for me in the mornings.....nothing starts the day out better than a little Happy Organ......I remember sitting in History class at Queen Anne High in Seattle and hearing this song on someones car radio outside the window...everyone in the class started jiving to it .....fell in love with it the first time I heard it.....
@joanmiller2219
😂I'm 57 and remember dancing in living room with my mom and sister and brother when we were like 4,5,6!! I couldn't sit still when this came on!!
@dennishill2907
Lol, I’m 76 n remember riding my bicycle uptown to buy this song. You r right , great song!