Driftin' Way of Life
Jerry Jeff Walker Lyrics


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One, two, one, two, three, yeah

Well, I makes money, money don't make me
And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf
Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
There ain't a dollar in the world make me change my stuff
Now, I met a lots of men who told me
When they finally make their first million
They're gonna live like kings, gonna try everything
Gonna flatter pretty women

If they know how to do it, why not get to it
Instead of waiting all your life
Your life is only doing, what you think is worth pursuing
Instead of waiting all the time

Well, I makes money, money don't make me
And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf
Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
There ain't a dollar in the world that make me change my stuff

Now if you find yourself waiting and you know you're hesitating
Get your butt off the ground
It ain't money or your honey and you know it's kind of funny
When it's all boiled down

You gonna be the man, you know you certainly can
Just do it, do it, do it, do it, do it
Clothes don't make the man, money won't help you stand
Any truer than you're doin'

Well, I makes money, money don't make me
And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf
Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
There ain't a dollar in the world that make me change my stuff

So you'll never find the endin', sittin' and pretending
You're gonna do it sometime
Keep it knocking on wood, doing exactly what you should
Trying to save ten cents

Keep build 'em up higher, so you can retire
To your castle in the blue
But you find it's all behind and it's probably slipped your mind
And you're too pooped to toot

I makes money, money don't make me
And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf




Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
There ain't a dollar in the world that make me change my stuff

Overall Meaning

The song "I Makes Money" by Jerry Jeff Walker is a commentary on the relationship between money and happiness. The singer of the song proudly declares that he makes money, but money does not define him or dictate his actions. He encourages listeners to prioritize their own values and passions, rather than allowing the pursuit of wealth to become their sole focus.


The lyrics also criticize those who mistakenly believe that accumulating large sums of money will bring them happiness and fulfillment. The singer notes that many men have promised to "live like kings" once they make their first million, but suggests that such promises are empty and misguided. He argues that waiting for a windfall or obsessing over finances is not a productive way to live, and encourages listeners to take action towards their goals.


Overall, the message of "I Makes Money" is one of self-reliance and individuality. The song promotes the idea that financial success is a means, rather than an end, and that true happiness comes from pursuing one's passions and living life on one's own terms.


Line by Line Meaning

One, two, one, two, three, yeah
The song begins with a simple count in by the singer.


Well, I makes money, money don't make me
The singer places value in who he is as a person rather than the amount of money he has.


And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
The singer is straightforward and honest about his views on money.


Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf
One should prioritize their own well-being and not worry about what others think.


Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
The singer believes that everyone should be free to live their own lives as they see fit.


There ain't a dollar in the world make me change my stuff
The singer is so certain about his beliefs that there is no amount of money that could change them.


Now, I met a lots of men who told me
The singer has had conversations with people who believe that money will bring them happiness.


When they finally make their first million
These people believe that once they have earned a large amount of money, they will be happy.


They're gonna live like kings, gonna try everything
These people plan to live extravagantly and indulge in everything they desire.


Gonna flatter pretty women
These people also plan to use their money to attract and impress women.


If they know how to do it, why not get to it
The singer believes that if someone knows how to achieve their goals, they should pursue them directly rather than waiting.


Instead of waiting all your life
The singer encourages people to take action and pursue their goals, rather than waiting for something to happen.


Your life is only doing, what you think is worth pursuing
The singer believes that life is about pursuing what you personally value and believe in.


Instead of waiting all the time
Again, the singer emphasizes that people should take action and pursue their goals instead of waiting for something to happen.


Now if you find yourself waiting and you know you're hesitating
The singer is cautioning against being indecisive and hesitant in pursuing one's goals.


Get your butt off the ground
The singer is telling people to take action and stop procrastinating.


It ain't money or your honey and you know it's kind of funny
It's ironic that people place so much importance on money and their romantic partners when they may not guarantee happiness.


When it's all boiled down
When everything is considered and stripped down to the essentials.


You gonna be the man, you know you certainly can
The singer believes that anyone has the ability to be successful and pursue their dreams.


Just do it, do it, do it, do it, do it
The singer is emphasizing the importance of taking action and getting things done.


Clothes don't make the man, money won't help you stand
External factors like appearance and money do not define a person's worth or character.


Any truer than you're doin'
There is no better way to live than by being true to oneself and one's values.


So you'll never find the endin', sittin' and pretending
The singer is warning against being complacent and living a life of inaction and pretense.


You're gonna do it sometime
The singer believes that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams and take action.


Keep it knocking on wood, doing exactly what you should
The singer advises people to keep trying and doing what they believe is right, despite the challenges that may arise.


Trying to save ten cents
Small actions and habits can add up and contribute to achieving one's goals over time.


Keep build 'em up higher, so you can retire
The singer is encouraging people to keep working hard and building towards their goals so they can eventually retire comfortably.


To your castle in the blue
One's ultimate goal or dream, that may involve material wealth or success.


But you find it's all behind and it's probably slipped your mind
In the end, one may find that their goals or desires have changed or no longer matter to them.


And you're too pooped to toot
One may find themselves too exhausted or defeated to even celebrate their successes.


I makes money, money don't make me
The singer reiterates his belief that one's self-worth and character are more important than the amount of money they have.


And that's the way I am and it's plain to see
The singer remains confident and honest about his beliefs on money and life.


Get right for yourself, can't put you on the shelf
The singer encourages people to prioritize their own well-being and not be held back by others' opinions or expectations of them.


Live and let live, you know it's plain enough
The singer reaffirms his belief in people living their own lives and pursuing their own goals.


There ain't a dollar in the world that make me change my stuff
Once again, the singer is resolute in his belief that no amount of money could change his values or priorities.




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