If I Can't Take It with Me
Eartha Kitt Lyrics


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If I can't take it with me when I go
I just ain't gonna go
If I can't take it with me when I go
I ain't leavin', I know

I've got minks and sables and diamonds and pearls
The things that men give to sweet little girls
I've kissed a little, and sometimes a lot
It took lots of kissin' to get what I've got

If I can't take it with me when I go
I just ain't gonna go
If I can't take it with me when I go
I ain't leavin', I know

Love's a luxury, but it makes men relax
And naturally there's a luxury tax
It don't take billions to get me to care
I've even been nice to a poor millionaire

If I can't take it with me when I go
I just ain't gonna go
If I can't take it with me when I go
I ain't leavin', I know

Pictures of Presidents give me a thrill
Especially on a thousand dollar bill
This legal tender brings me so much bliss
It's nice to be tender when it's legal like this

If I can't take it with me when I go
I just ain't gonna go
If I can't take it with me when I go
I ain't leavin', I know





I just ain't gonna go
I just ain't gonna go

Overall Meaning

Eartha Kitt's song "If I Can’t Take It With Me When I Go" is a satirical take on materialism by showing how a person's possessions and wealth can dictate their life to the point that they refuse to let go of it even in death. Throughout the song, Kitt lists off her belongings, including minks, sables, diamonds, and pearls, as well as her love for money, luxury, and wealth. She states that if she cannot take these things with her when she dies, she won't go. The song highlights how materialism can consume a person's life to the point where the acquisition of wealth becomes the ultimate goal.


Kitt's lyrics are a commentary on the trappings of wealth and how it can overshadow what's truly important in life, such as genuine love and personal relationships. The line "love's a luxury, but it makes men relax, and naturally, there's a luxury tax" is a nod to how love, despite being something that is supposed to be given freely, can become a commodity. While Kitt's message is a critical commentary on greed and materialism in society, she also delivers it with her signature sultry, seductive tone, which contrasts with the serious nature of the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

If I can't take it with me when I go
If I can't bring my possessions with me to the afterlife, I won't go


I just ain't gonna go
I refuse to leave behind my belongings


I've got minks and sables and diamonds and pearls
I have expensive clothing and jewelry given to me by wealthy men


The things that men give to sweet little girls
Wealthy men often give expensive gifts to young women to win their affection


I've kissed a little, and sometimes a lot
I have had many romantic relationships, some more physical than others


It took lots of kissin' to get what I've got
I have acquired my wealth and possessions through relationships with wealthy men


Love's a luxury, but it makes men relax
Love is seen as a luxury, but it can make men feel more at ease


And naturally there's a luxury tax
Love often comes with a price, whether financial or emotional


It don't take billions to get me to care
I don't require extravagant gestures to show affection


I've even been nice to a poor millionaire
I have shown kindness to wealthy individuals regardless of their financial status


Pictures of Presidents give me a thrill
I am excited by the sight of images of US Presidents on currency


Especially on a thousand dollar bill
I am particularly fond of high-value bills


This legal tender brings me so much bliss
The money I possess brings me great happiness


It's nice to be tender when it's legal like this
It feels good to spend money legally and without restrictions


I just ain't gonna go
I am determined not to depart this life without my worldly belongings




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HAROLD GRANT, MACK DAVID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

robert Williams

Lovely My friend had this played at her funeral was so apt for her

Daniel Kubacki

funny!

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