The Gold Digger's Song
Fred Astaire Lyrics


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We're in the money, We're in the money;
We've got a lot of what it takes to get along!
We're in the money, the skies are sunny;

Old man depression,you are through,
You done us wrong!
We never see a headline
'bout a breadline, today,
And when we see the landlord,
We can look that guy right in the eye.





We're in the money, Come, on my honey,
Let's spend it, lend it, send it rolling along.

Overall Meaning

The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money) is a witty and upbeat tune written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the musical film Gold Diggers of 1933. It's a song about money, love, and freedom from the grips of the Great Depression that gripped America at the time.


The first two lines of the chorus, "We're in the money, We're in the money," express the song's central theme of financial success. The singer declares that they have everything necessary to succeed, and they're proud of it. The next two lines, "We've got a lot of what it takes to get along! We're in the money, the skies are sunny," celebrate the wealth and happiness that come with financial success. They connect good fortune with good weather, implying that everything is going well.


The next two lines, "Old man depression, you are through, you done us wrong!" are perhaps the song's most memorable. Here, Dubin and Warren personify the Great Depression as an "old man" who has "done us wrong." These lyrics may have resonated deeply with the song's original audiences who were struggling to survive under the weight of economic despair.


Throughout the song, the lyrics remain irreverent and light-hearted, even while the theme of overcoming adversity remains central. The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money) is a classic example of the type of upbeat, whimsical tunes that defined 1930s pop music.


Line by Line Meaning

We're in the money, We're in the money;
We have achieved financial success and have a lot of wealth.


We've got a lot of what it takes to get along!
We possess the necessary resources and skills to succeed and deal with any obstacle we may face.


We're in the money, the skies are sunny;
We are happy and optimistic due to our newfound financial security.


Old man depression, you are through,
We have beaten the negative impacts of the Great Depression, such as poverty and unemployment.


You done us wrong!
The Great Depression caused us harm and difficulty, but we have overcome.


We never see a headline 'bout a breadline, today,
We no longer experience poverty and the need to stand in breadlines, which were common during the Great Depression.


And when we see the landlord, we can look that guy right in the eye.
We are no longer intimidated by authority figures, such as landlords, as we now have the financial means to assert ourselves.


We're in the money, Come, on my honey,
We encourage those around us to enjoy our newfound wealth.


Let's spend it, lend it, send it rolling along.
We plan to use our wealth for various purposes and share it with others generously, as it continues to grow.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY WARREN, AL DUBIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@HMinot

My favorite version of this song! And, as usual, a great-sounding transfer!

@gregoryagogo

This is the best version, I think.

@JamesIrwins78s

Such a great tune, in almost every regard! And a very hot take for that easy listening type jazz of the early 1930s. There’s a lot of good music from that transitional period to swing, but I always like a hot sound, and this is the epitome of that for that era. I’ll have to get this 78, thanks!

@juliapollitt8291

Awesome ❤️

@Trombonology

This early '30's anthem, with its references to breadlines once frequented, landlords ducked and "Old Man Depression" may not seem typical Astaire territory, but the amiable and very able vocalist puts it over effectively with his trademark air of optimism -- and top-notch support from the Reisman orch.

@kkknotcool

Are you an English major or something?
That's far too good a composition for a youtube comment.

@0_1_2

@@kkknotcoole’s probably just older.. from a time when they actually educated people to read a write.

@kkknotcool

@@0_1_2 I've read normal old people's writing, it's better then the modern norm, but not far better then the norm of 30 years ago.

@TopHatJack4970discord

@@kkknotcool That's just one of the fellow regulars here on the channel. I would gleefully bet Trombonology and another regular here @Roybo1930 have by far the most comments on these old music videos! These two are some of the most knowledgeable 78 RPM collectors and "enthusiasts" on the entire site.

@hotwax9376

If you're of my generation, then Looney Tunes probably brought you here.

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