In 1959, Ross was brought to the attention of Milton Jenkins, the manager of the local doo-wop group The Primes, by Mary Wilson. Primes member Paul Williams convinced Jenkins to enlist Ross in the sister group The Primettes, which included Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown.
In 1976, Billboard magazine named her the female entertainer of the century. In 1993, The Guinness Book Of World Records listed her as the most successful female artist ever (the title is now attributed to Madonna), partly due to her combined total of eighteen number-one singles, six of them recorded solo and the remaining dozen from her work with the Supremes.
Ross was also one of the few pop singers to find modest success in the acting world winning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film, "Lady Sings the Blues" as well as having hits with other film roles such as "Mahogany", "Out of Darkness" and "Double Platinum", not to mention her role in "The Wiz".
Ross has been awarded many lifetime achievement accolades from many organizations and media outlets: she has been featured on BET, Soul Train, and awarded multiple times at the NAACP Image Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007 and given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement in 2011.
Ross' professional vocal collaborators have included the following during her career: Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.
I Don't Care Where The Money Is
Diana Ross Lyrics
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I got a few things to say of my own
I don't care about fancy things
Just give me lots of room to roam
All I want is a roof over my head
And a song and the freedom to choose
′Cause when you don't have so much as the other folks
Let me tell you now
I don't care where the money is
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I got more than just money can buy
But I live my whole life free
And let me tell you now
I don′t care where the money is
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I got more than just money can buy
Gonna live my whole life free
I got a friend with a Cadillac car
He got chrome growin′ out of his ears
He tells me it's the best thing goin′
Then he trades it at the end of the year
All I want is a roof over my head
And a song and the freedom to choose
'Cause when you don′t have so much as the other folk
You always got less to lose
Let me tell you now
I don't care where the money is
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I got more than just money can buy
Gonna live my whole life free
Let me tell you now
I don′t care where the money is
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I got more than just money can buy
Gonna live my whole life
Live my whole life
Live my whole life
Live my whole life
Free
I don't care where the money is
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I got more than just money can buy
Gonna live my whole life
Live my whole life
Gonna live my whole life
Live my whole life
Free
Free
Live my whole life
Live my whole life
Gonna live my whole life
Live my whole life
Live my whole life
Live my whole life
The lyrics to Diana Ross's song "I Don't Care Where The Money Is" convey a strong sense of independence and a disregard for material wealth. The singer asserts that money's opinions and influence hold no significance to them, as they have their own thoughts and beliefs to share. They prioritize personal expression and freedom over acquiring extravagant possessions, desiring only the space and freedom to explore their own path.
The singer emphasizes their contentment with having a roof over their head, a song to fill their heart, and the freedom to make their own choices. They acknowledge that compared to others who may have more material possessions, they may have less to lose. This perspective implies that when one doesn't have an abundance of material wealth, the fear of losing it becomes less significant, allowing for a greater sense of freedom and fearlessness.
The chorus of the song reinforces the singer's indifference to the allure of money. They express their need to go where their soul can truly breathe, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. The singer suggests that they possess something far more valuable than money alone, something that cannot be purchased. They vow to live their entire life freely, unencumbered by the confines of materialism.
In the second verse, the singer mentions a friend with a Cadillac car, a symbol of luxury and wealth. However, they critique the superficiality of the acquisition, observing that their friend trades it in at the end of the year. This further reinforces the idea that material possessions hold little value in the singer's eyes, as they prioritize stability and self-expression over chasing fleeting trends.
Throughout the song, the repetitions in the chorus help to emphasize the singer's conviction. They affirm that they will live their entire life free, detached from the constraints that money can bring. The repeated phrase "live my whole life" acts as a reaffirmation of their commitment to living life on their own terms, unburdened by material wealth.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "I Don't Care Where The Money Is" reflect a strong sense of individuality and freedom. The singer rejects the influence of money and material possessions, valuing personal expression, choice, and the innate spiritual worth of their soul. They emphasize the importance of living a life that is fulfilling and meaningful, unencumbered by the superficiality that often accompanies the pursuit of wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
I don′t care what money says
I am indifferent to the influence that money holds over people's opinions and actions.
I got a few things to say of my own
I have my own thoughts and perspectives that I want to express.
I don't care about fancy things
I have no interest in materialistic possessions or luxurious items.
Just give me lots of room to roam
I desire the freedom to explore and experience life without restrictions.
All I want is a roof over my head
My basic need is a shelter to call home.
And a song and the freedom to choose
Along with a sense of musical expression, I crave the liberty to make my own decisions.
′Cause when you don't have so much as the other folks
Because I possess less wealth compared to others.
You always got less to lose
Having fewer material possessions means I have fewer things that can be taken away.
I gotta go where my soul can breathe
I need to exist in an environment where my inner essence can thrive and feel unrestricted.
I got more than just money can buy
The value of my life extends beyond the things that can be purchased with money.
But I live my whole life free
Nevertheless, I embrace the freedom to live my life as I choose.
I got a friend with a Cadillac car
I am acquainted with someone who owns a luxury Cadillac automobile.
He got chrome growin' out of his ears
He is obsessed with excessive car accessories and showiness.
He tells me it's the best thing goin'
He insists that his car is the epitome of excellence and desirability.
Then he trades it at the end of the year
However, he consistently trades it in for a different car each year.
Gonna live my whole life
I am determined to embrace a lifestyle of freedom and self-expression.
Live my whole life
I will devote every moment of my existence to this purpose.
Free
I will be liberated from the constraints of societal expectations and materialism.
Writer(s): Michael Randall
Contributed by Lillian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.