Although critically acclaimed, John Hammond has had only moderate commercial success. Nonetheless, he enjoys a strong fan base and has earned respect from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Roosevelt Sykes, Duane Allman, Robbie Robertson, and Charlie Musselwhite, all of whom have contributed their musical talents to Hammond's records. In addition, he is the only person who ever had Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in his band at the same time, even if it was only for five days in the 1960s when Hammond played the Gaslight Café in New York. To his regret, they never recorded together.
John Hammond has had a longstanding friendship with songwriter Tom Waits, and has performed Waits' songs on occasion. In 2001, he released Wicked Grin, an album entirely of Tom Waits compositions. Waits himself provided guitar work and backing vocals as well as producing the project.
2. John Hammond was a old time banjo player from the 1920's. He recorded the bluegrass classic 'Little Birdie' in 1925.
Money Honey
John Hammond Lyrics
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I let it ring for a long, long spell
I looked through the window, I peeked through the blind,
And asked him to tell me what was on his mind.
He said, "Money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me."
I was cleaned and skinned and so hard-pressed
I called the woman that I love the best
I finally reached my baby 'bout a half past three
She said, "I'd like to know what you want with me."
I said, "Money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me."
She screamed and said, "What's wrong with you?
From this day on, our romance is through."
I said, "Tell me, baby, face to face
A-how could another man take my place?"
She said, "Money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me."
Well, I learned my lesson and now I know
The sun may shine and the wind may blow
Women may come, and the women may go,
But before I say I love 'em so,
I want-- money, honey!
Money, honey!
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.
(If you want to get along) Well, make some money
(If you want to get along) Well, I ain't jivin' you, honey
(If you want to get along) You better give up some money
If you want to get along with me.
In "Money Honey," John Hammond tells the story of a man who is struggling financially and is constantly reminded of his financial woes. The first verse tells of the landlord who rings the doorbell, and the singer doesn't answer but instead watches him through the window. When he finally answers, the landlord tells him that he needs money to keep the apartment. The next verse tells of the singer calling the woman he loves and asks for money. She responds negatively and breaks up with him. The last verse shows the singer learning a valuable lesson that money has power in relationships, and he needs it to get along with others.
The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but the message is powerful. Money has the power to cause tension in relationships and is essential for survival. The characters in the song are struggling with the pressure of maintaining their financial stability and relationships, and money is the only solution.
The song was originally written and recorded by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters in 1953. John Hammond covered the song in 1967 and gave it a bluesy sound that helped it become a hit. "Money Honey" was also covered by Elvis Presley in 1956 and The Beatles in 1962.
Line by Line Meaning
You know, the landlord rang my front door bell
The singer is communicating that the landlord is attempting to reach them.
I let it ring for a long, long spell
The singer intentionally did not answer the door.
I looked through the window, I peeked through the blind,
The singer checked who was at their door covertly.
And asked him to tell me what was on his mind.
The artist inquired about the agenda behind the landlord's visit.
He said, "Money, honey!
The landlord made a demand for payment from the artist.
Money, honey! Money, honey, If you want to get along with me."
The landlord is stating that payment is necessary for the singer to maintain the current relationship with them.
I was cleaned and skinned and so hard-pressed
The singer is expressing that they were vulnerable and financially distressed.
I called the woman that I love the best
The artist reached out to someone they deeply cared about for support.
I finally reached my baby 'bout a half past three
The artist spoke to their loved one in the early hours of the morning.
She said, "I'd like to know what you want with me."
The artist's loved one inquired about why they were contacted.
I said, "Money, honey! Money, honey! Money, honey, If you want to get along with me."
The singer asked their loved one for financial assistance.
She screamed and said, "What's wrong with you? From this day on, our romance is through."
The artist's loved one was offended and terminated their relationship as a result of the request.
I said, "Tell me, baby, face to face A-how could another man take my place?"
The singer is attempting to convince their loved one that they are irreplaceable.
She said, "Money, honey! Money, honey! Money, honey, If you want to get along with me."
The singer's loved one reiterates that payment is necessary for them to maintain their relationship with the singer.
Well, I learned my lesson and now I know The sun may shine and the wind may blow Women may come, and the women may go,
The singer has gained wisdom from the situation and acknowledges that relationships are subject to change.
But before I say I love 'em so, I want-- money, honey! Money, honey! Money, honey, If you want to get along with me.
The artist has come to the conclusion that money is a critical factor in their relationships and must be prioritized going forward.
(If you want to get along) Well, make some money (If you want to get along) Well, I ain't jivin' you, honey (If you want to get along) You better give up some money If you want to get along with me.
The artist is emphasizing the importance of money by stating that making and giving it up is necessary to maintain a positive relationship with them.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind