The Weed Smoker's Dream
Laurie Hugh Lyrics
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Can't make no money giving your stuff away
Why don't you do like, like the millionaires do
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
Face of a betting women, she bets on every hand
She's a tricking modafunkyou everywhere she lands
Why don't you do now, like the millionaires do
May's a good looking frail, she lives down by the jail
On the back though she got hot stuff for cell
Why don't you do now, like the millionaires do
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
Sitting on a million, sitting on it everyday
can't make no money giving your stuff away
Why don't you do now, like the millionaires do
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
Put your stuff on the market and make a million, too
The lyrics of Laurie Hugh's song The Weed Smoker's Dream are about making money and the American Dream. The song is commenting on how people, especially those in poverty, often have valuable skills and possessions but fail to properly monetize them. The opening lines, "Sitting on a million, sitting on it everyday / Can't make no money giving your stuff away," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is lamenting that there are people who have potential to make a lot of money, but they don't put forth the effort to sell their talents or merchandise.
The song references several characters who are examples of this phenomenon. The "betting women" who "tricks modafunkyou" is likely a reference to a sex worker who could charge more for her services but doesn't. "May," who "lives down by the jail" and has "hot stuff for cell," may be a drug dealer or someone with other contraband to sell. The chorus repeats the message that everyone, including those in tough circumstances, has the ability to make money if they seize opportunities like the millionaires do by putting their "stuff on the market."
The overall message of the song is that one doesn't have to be rich to be successful, but they do have to take proactive steps to monetize their skills or possessions. There is a societal pressure to follow the traditional path to financial success, but there are other ways to achieve it. The song encourages listeners to look for opportunities and not settle for less than what they are worth.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting on a million, sitting on it everyday
You have a great product or skill, but you're not doing anything with it.
Can't make no money giving your stuff away
You're not making any money because you're giving away what should be sold.
Why don't you do like, like the millionaires do
The successful people sell their products rather than giving them away.
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
Put your product on the market and you can make vast amounts of money too.
Face of a betting women, she bets on every hand
There are people who take risks and are highly successful in making money.
She's a tricking modafunkyou everywhere she lands
She is highly successful in doing what she does, no matter where she goes.
May's a good looking frail, she lives down by the jail
There are successful people who don't look like it, and who are not in ideal situations, but who still make a lot of money.
On the back though she got hot stuff for sell
Even those who seem unsuccessful can have a valuable product to sell.
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
You can make a lot of money if you put your product out there instead of giving it away.
Sitting on a million, sitting on it everyday
You are not taking advantage of your potential gains by not selling your products.
Can't make no money giving your stuff away
Giving away your product for free is not a profit-generating strategy.
Why don't you do now, like the millionaires do
Successful people are successful because they sell their products, not give them away for free.
Put your stuff on the market and make a million too
You can make a lot of money if you put your product on the market and sell it.
Put your stuff on the market and make a million, too
You can be successful and make a lot of money if you sell your product, just like the millionaires do.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MORAND MCCOY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ariferrari7978
Why Don't You Do Right?" first appeared in 1936 as "The Weed Smoker's Dream", composed by McCoy and recorded by his band, the Harlem Hamfats. The song was subtitled "Why Don't You Do Now" on the original release. McCoy later rewrote the song, refining the composition and changing the lyrics entirely. The new tune was titled "Why Don't You Do Right?" and was recorded by Lil Green in 1941 (with guitar played by Big Bill Broonzy). The recording was an early jazz and blues hit.
@VCT3333
And just a year or so later Benny Goodman made a Big Band arrangement of the Lil Green version because Peggy Lee loved singing it in her dressing room while they were doing a movie together. That version of course was a big hit and became a staple of Peggy's career.
@inconsistancies7286
Is hugh covering this or ripping it off?
@Marie-ge5yy
That raspy voice sounds like the roaring 20's - love it!
@fraseredk7433
A whole new world of music opened up here for me ❤❤
@TheDivergentDrummer
Check out The Hot Sardines live at Joe's pub
@Suburbanswing
just saw Hugh in concert and met him afterwards. Funny, brilliant, and friendly. This song in particular was my fav of the night!!!!
@TravelingAndBadDecisions
how did you manage to meet him? I'm seeing him tomorrow so I wish to know if I have a chance to meet him too!
@lisalovesnola
Glad to read he's a good guy & he socialized with you. That's cool!
@rogeredwards3577
I USED TO WATCH "HOUSE" AND FOUND OUT ON AUGUST 7 2023 HE PLAYS AWESOME PIANO AND SINGS TOO!! WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS YEARS AGO!!!