Bibb was born on 16th August 1951 in New York into a musical family. His father, Leon Bibb, is a trained singer who sang in musical theatre and made a name for himself as part of the 1960s New York folk scene. His uncle was the world-famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, Odetta, and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Bibb'sgodfather.
Bibb was given his first steel-string guitar when he was seven years old. Growing up surrounded by talent, he recalls a childhood conversation with Bob Dylan, who, on the subject of guitar playing advised the eleven-year-old Bibb to "Keep it simple, forget all that fancy stuff".
At sixteen years old, Bibb's father invited him to play guitar in the house band for his television talent show Someone New. Bibb's early musical heroes were from his father's band, and included Bill Lee (father of director Spike), who appeared on Bibb's album Me To You, years later.
In 1969, Bibb played guitar for the Negro Ensemble Company at St Mark's place in New York, and went on to study Psychology and Russian at Colombia University, but at the age of nineteen he left for Paris, where a meeting with guitarist Mickey Baker focused his interest in blues guitar. When he later moved to Sweden, Bibb found a creative environment which took him back to Greenwich Village during the heyday of the folk revival. Settling in Stockholm, Bibb immersed himself in pre-war blues and continued to write and perform.
The album Good Stuff was released in 1997, and led to Bibb signing to the British based Code Blue label. Eric's only release on Code Blue was Me to You, featuring appearances from some of Bibb's personal heroes in Pops and Mavis Staples, and Taj Mahal (who also worked with Bibb on the Grammy-nominated children's record, Shakin' a Tailfeather). The album furthered Bibb's international reputation and was followed by tours of the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, France, Sweden, and Germany.
In the late 1990s Bibb joined forces with his then manager, Alan Robinson, to form Manhaton Records, in Britain. The albums Home to Me (1999), Roadworks (2000), and Painting Signs (2001) followed, as did another Opus 3 release, Just Like Love.
Money In Your Pocket
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you have money in your pocket, shoes on your feet?
Water in your well, food on your table to eat?
Do you have kin that you can call on
When you're in a jam?
Do you have kin that you can call on
When you're in a jam?
An' how blessed I am
I got a good steady job, a roof over my head
I got a good steady job, a roof over my head
'Got a kind-hearted woman
A warm blanket on my bed
Went to see my doctor
An' he pronounced me a healthy man
When I went to see my doctor, he pronounced me
A healthy man
I'm here to tell you I know how blessed I am
Now I have money in the bank, but it wasn't always so
I have money in the bank, but it wasn't always so
I have stories I could tell you
But I believe it's time to go
The lyrics to Eric Bibb's song "Money In Your Pocket" speak to the basic necessities and blessings in life. The song starts by asking if the listener has money in their pocket and shoes on their feet, indicating the need for financial stability and basic provisions. The repetition of this question emphasizes the importance of having these basic needs met. The following lines ask if there is water in the well and food on the table, highlighting the significance of having access to clean water and nourishment. These questions serve as a reminder to appreciate and be grateful for these simple blessings.
The song then shifts to the idea of having family and friends to rely on in times of need. Bibb asks if there are loved ones that can be called upon when facing difficulties, emphasizing the value of having a support system. He states that he personally has kin that he can count on, highlighting how fortunate he feels to have such relationships.
Bibb goes on to express gratitude for his overall well-being. He mentions having a stable job and a roof over his head, which provide security and comfort. He also acknowledges having a kind-hearted woman in his life, suggesting the presence of love and companionship. Finally, he mentions being pronounced a healthy man by his doctor, further emphasizing his gratitude for good health.
The song concludes by briefly mentioning how the singer now has money in the bank, indicating financial stability. However, instead of elaborating on this aspect, Bibb suggests that there are stories he could share but decides it's time to move on, leaving the listener with the understanding that gratitude and appreciation for life's blessings should be the main focus.
Overall, the lyrics of "Money In Your Pocket" convey a message of gratitude for the basic necessities of life, the presence of supportive relationships, and overall well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you have money in your pocket, shoes on your feet?
Do you possess enough financial resources to meet your basic needs?
Do you have kin that you can call on
When you're in a jam?
Do you have close relatives or friends whom you can rely on for support in difficult times?
I'm here to tell you I do
An' how blessed I am
I want to express that I am fortunate to have these things in my life.
I got a good steady job, a roof over my head
I am employed in a stable job and have a secure place to live.
'Got a kind-hearted woman
A warm blanket on my bed
I have a caring and loving partner who provides comfort and warmth to me.
Went to see my doctor
An' he pronounced me a healthy man
I recently visited my doctor and received confirmation of my good health.
I'm here to tell you I know how blessed I am
I want to emphasize that I am fully aware of and grateful for the blessings in my life.
Now I have money in the bank, but it wasn't always so
Currently, I possess savings in a bank account, although there was a time when I didn't have this financial security.
I have stories I could tell you
But I believe it's time to go
I have experienced significant life events and hardships, but I think it is best to end the conversation now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Eric Bibb, Michael Browne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind