Rich Daddy
Dicks Lyrics


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You got money?
Well, then you're livin' the good life
You got a big fat daddy at home
Writin' checks tonight
You got nothing?
Well, then you're livin' a bad life
You got a big, fine car
And you eye me while you pass me by
A rich daddy? No! I never had one!
A rich daddy? No! No! I never had one

You got money?
Well, then you're livin' the good life
It seems like everything you touch
Wants to turn to gold
You got nothing?
Well, then you're livin' the sad life
And I guess I won't have nothing
When I'm sick and old




A rich daddy? No! I never had one!
A rich daddy? No! No! I never had one

Overall Meaning

In Dick's song "Rich Daddy," he describes the stark contrast between two different lifestyles- one of wealth and privilege, and the other of poverty and struggle. He addresses the idea that money can buy happiness, and those with rich daddies live the "good life," while those who don't are living a "bad" or "sad" life. He portrays a sense of envy towards those who have it all, with big fine cars and the ability to write checks at will. This envy is particularly evident when he sings "And you eye me while you pass me by," implying that those with wealthy parents look down upon those who are struggling, almost as if rubbing their privilege in their faces.


However, throughout the song, Dick makes it clear that he does not come from wealth himself. He repeats the phrase "A rich daddy? No! I never had one!" multiple times, emphasizing the idea that he is an outsider to this privileged world. He also points out the idea that while life may seem good for those with money in the present, there is no guarantee that it will last forever- "And I guess I won't have nothing when I'm sick and old." Thus, the song can be interpreted as a critique on the wealth gap and the way society values people based on their financial status.


Line by Line Meaning

You got money?
Do you have a lot of money?


Well, then you're livin' the good life
If you've got a lot of money, then you're living a good life according to societal standards.


You got a big fat daddy at home
You have a wealthy father who can afford to spoil you and provide for all your needs.


Writin' checks tonight
Your wealthy father is spending money on you by writing checks.


You got nothing?
Do you have no money?


Well, then you're livin' the sad life
If you don't have money, then your life is considered sad according to societal standards.


You got a big, fine car
If you don't have money, but you have a nice car, people might assume you're pretending to have money.


And you eye me while you pass me by
You might look at me with envy or judgment if you think I don't have money.


A rich daddy? No! I never had one!
The singer is proclaiming that they have never had a wealthy father who could support them financially.


A rich daddy? No! No! I never had one
The singer is doubling down on their statement that they have never had a wealthy father who could support them financially.


It seems like everything you touch
If you have a lot of money, it might seem like everything you do or touch is successful.


Wants to turn to gold
Everything you touch is successful, and you're able to make more and more money.


And I guess I won't have nothing
If you don't have money, you might worry that you won't have anything in the future.


When I'm sick and old
The singer is worried that they won't have money when they are no longer able to work due to illness or old age.




Contributed by Adeline L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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