A Satisfied Mind
Jeff Buckley Lyrics


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How many times have you heard someone say
If I had money, I'd do things my way,
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man with a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
A friend, when you're lonely, or peace to your soul.
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

When my life is over and my time has run out.
My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt.
But, one thing's gone for certain, when it comes my time




I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
Satisfied mind.

Overall Meaning

In Jeff Buckley's cover of Porter Wagoner's "Satisfied Mind," the lyrics touch on the notion that having money does not necessarily lead to happiness. The first verse points out how people often say that if they had money, they would be able to do what they want, but in reality, finding a rich person with a satisfied mind is difficult. This implies that the search for contentment and inner peace is not linked to material possessions. The second verse further elaborates on this idea: money cannot buy back youth, a friend in times of loneliness, or peace to one's soul. Here, the lyrics suggest that true fulfillment comes from personal connections and spiritual fulfillment.


In the final verse, the singer reflects on their time on earth and their impending death. They assert that while their loved ones may mourn, they will leave this world with a satisfied mind. This line encapsulates the overall message of the song: that true satisfaction and peace come from within, rather than from external circumstances or achievements.


Overall, "Satisfied Mind" is a poignant reminder of the importance of finding contentment and happiness in one's life, regardless of external factors like money or status.


Line by Line Meaning

How many times have you heard someone say
Have people ever told you that if they had money, they would do things their way?


If I had money, I'd do things my way,
If I had wealth, I would have the freedom to do what I want.


But little they know that it's so hard to find
But they do not realize that it is not easy to find wealth.


One rich man with a satisfied mind.
A person who is rich can still be unhappy.


Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Having wealth cannot bring back the time when you were young.


A friend, when you're lonely, or peace to your soul.
Money cannot fill the void of being lonely or bring peace to your soul.


The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Even the wealthiest people can feel poor at times.


Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
A person who is content with their life is richer than a wealthy person.


When my life is over and my time has run out.
When I die and my time on earth is up.


My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt.
My loved ones will know how much I care for them.


But, one thing's gone for certain, when it comes my time
One thing that is for sure is that when I pass away,


I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
I will leave this world feeling content with my life.


Satisfied mind.
Feeling content and happy with one's situation.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Red Hays, Jack Rhodes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@amberpamber9619

How many times have you heard someone say
If I had money, I would do things my way
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind

Money can't buy back, oh, your youth when you're old
A friend when you're lonely, oh, peace to your soul
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind

When my life is over and my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones, I will leave them, no doubt
But one thing's for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world, oh yeah, ooh yeah, with a satisfied mind

One thing's for certain, when it comes my time, oh yeah
I'll leave this old world oh, with a satisfied mind
Mind, mind, mind, mind, satisfied mind



@ThomasCowman

I had a pet Moose…. Same story.

He got the butthole cancer from drinking too much water at the public bathhouse. We stated a moose knitting club to raise awareness of his condition and pay for chemo. We made thousands of quality knitted blankets to sell online.

One late night he broke into the knitted blanket barn to take a nap. He fell asleep and a pile of blankets fell on him during his sleep.

There were literally tons of quality knitted blankets on top of him. No escape.
He died an agonizing death being crushed and suffocated Berger finally taking his last breath.

Corner said it was a brutal agonizing death.

This is a beautiful song thought. Love the vocals.



@erinpetersen267

How many times have you heard someone say
If I had money, I'd do things my way,
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
A friend, when you're lonely, or peace to your soul.
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When my life is over and my time has run out.
My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt.
But, one thing's gone for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
Satisfied mind.



All comments from YouTube:

@miakatherine9028

I first heard this song when I was 12 and instantly cried. A few years later, I sung this at the funeral of a close friend who passed away too soon from cancer and i've not been able to listen to it since. It's been many years but tonight, I was sitting alone in my car and heard Jeff's voice creeping out of the car window next to mine. I heard this song again for the first time since that day and instantly cried. Music is powerful.

@lisamcglynn6947

Einstein said " Everything is vibration "....... Oh man , how this vibrates both for you and for me.x

@javiersalas6727

Jeff's alive he's in the afterlife of bliss he lives at my house, my name's J.J. you're in collective consciousness with us. Much love-Jeff Buckley

@rebeccalmorrow

❤❤❤my story with this song is a similar one. I want this song sung at my funeral

@RussellMowery

I wish i could've met him while he was here still. I feel like listening to him sing through these recordings get me close to him still. RIP Jeff.

@GenxJul

My dad played this on his guitar, and sang it beautifully. He’s been gone for almost two years, and I miss his so much.

@mrstambourinegirl397

The greatest male singer of all time imo. My heart breaks every time I hear Jeff sing. Wow.

@donalynette

He got those good looks & talent from his dad, Tim. They perfected a part of the earth with their music

@MarcLowe

And died far, far too soon… Indeed, a real tragedy, and a huge loss to the music world. Buckley’s style of singing has hugely influenced my own, and my one electric guitar (though I mostly play the acoustic) is a Telecaster, also due to his influence…

@charliesybert2683

Darel scotts version is in my opinion better

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