A rootsy and clever singer/songwriter, John Paul Keith is a journeyman arti… Read Full Bio ↴A rootsy and clever singer/songwriter, John Paul Keith is a journeyman artist with a bent toward vintage Fender Telecaster-driven pop/rock twang. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Keith grew up singing in church, learned to play guitar around age ten, and inherited a love of classic rock and blues artists like Chuck Berry and B.B. King from his truck-driving father. By his teens, Keith was a member of the alt-country ensemble the Viceroys, but left the band to pursue a solo career in Nashville. In 2009 he released his debut album, Spills and Thrills, which garnered significant critical praise -- if not commercial success -- for its mix of driving pop, country, and blues that drew comparisons ranging from Buddy Holly to Creedence Clearwater Revival to Booker T. & the MG's.

A move to Memphis in his late twenties brought a renewed creative energy to Keith, who soon formed the expert bar band the One Four Fives with drummer John Argroves and bassist Mark E. Stuart. The group developed a loyal following in Memphis, and tours opening for acts like Lucero and Jack Oblivian drew yet more attention to Keith's vintage rock sound. In 2011, John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives released the Bruce Watson-produced The Man That Time Forgot on Fat Possum. Memphis Circa 3AM, produced by Roland Janes, arrived from Fat Possum in the fall of 2013.

Also in 2013, Keith paired with double-bassist/vocalist Amy LaVere for their country- and rockabilly-influenced project Motel Mirrors. Over the next few years, he stayed busy touring, and playing live. He also contributed to albums by the Bo-Keys, Rich Minus, and Don Bryant. In 2018, Keith returned with both his fourth solo album, Heart Shaped Shadow, and the full-length debut album from Motel Mirrors, In the Meantime.

If I Had Money
John Paul Keith Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well if I had money
I know what I’d do
Well if I had money
I know what I’d do
Honey if I had money
I’d spend it all on you

Someone like you

Should have everything you need
Well someone like you
Should have everything you need
Baby I just feel lucky
You ever needed me

I went out last night
And the night before
I went out last night
And the night before
Baby if I don’t make some money
Ain’t going out no more

I use six little strings
Just to pay my bills
I use six little strings
Just to pay these bills
It’s all I wanna do
And all I ever will

Well if I had money
I know what I’d do
Well if I had money
I know what I’d do

Honey if I had money
I’d spend it all on you

Overall Meaning

In John Paul Keith's song "If I Had Money," the singer expresses his desire for financial stability and the impact it would have on his relationship. The repeated line "Well if I had money, I know what I'd do" suggests that having money would bring about a significant change in his life.

He states that if he had money, he would spend it all on his partner, emphasizing his love and devotion to them. By providing them with everything they need, he believes he can reciprocate their value and significance in his life. This line expresses his desire to improve their quality of life and make up for any shortcomings.

The singer acknowledges that someone like his partner, who deserves abundance and happiness, should have everything they need. He feels fortunate and appreciative that they have chosen to be with him, even in his current financial situation. This part reveals his gratitude and understanding that his partner deserves the best in life.

The lyrics also touch upon the singer's struggles to make ends meet. He mentions going out the night before, possibly to perform or search for opportunites, but realizes that without making money, he won't be able to go out anymore. This highlights the financial pressures he faces and the necessity of improving his financial situation for both himself and his relationship.

The final verse emphasizes the singer's love for music and his pursuit to make a living through it. He refers to the guitar strings as a means to pay his bills, illustrating his dedication to his craft and his reliance on it as his main source of income. Despite the financial challenges, he states that playing music is all he wants to do and will continue doing so. This conveys his passion for music and his determination to make it work, even if it means not having much money.

Overall, "If I Had Money" captures the singer's yearning for financial stability and his understanding of the impact it could have on his relationship. It also reflects his gratitude for his partner's presence in his life and his unwavering commitment to his passion for music.

Line by Line Meaning

Well if I had money
If I were to possess wealth

I know what I’d do
I am aware of how I would utilize it

Honey if I had money
Darling, in the scenario where I possessed wealth

I’d spend it all on you
I would dedicate all of it to you

Someone like you
A person of your nature

Should have everything you need
Deserves to possess everything required

Baby I just feel lucky
My dear, I simply perceive myself as fortunate

You ever needed me
For you to have ever required me

I went out last night
I ventured outside in the previous evening

And the night before
And in the evening preceding that

Baby if I don’t make some money
My dear, if I am unable to earn some money