Baty was at University of California Berkeley studying mathematics when he formed the band with Rick Estrin (born 1949). The band's music relies chiefy on electric urban blues of the Chicago variety, but mixed in with other compatible styles, including early rock and roll, soul, surf music, swing, jump blues, and western swing. The band issued their debut album, All the Way Crazy, in 1987, including the songs "Poor Tarzan", "Suicide Blues" and "When Girls Do It". The following album Disturbing the Peace (1988), included "That's My Girl", "My Money's Green", "She's Talking" and "Nervous". The records help established them on the blues festival and club circuits, and they began touring the country extensively, playing a number of international venues. They have played at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1980 and 1982, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the San Diego, California Street Scene and Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival plus the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival in 2002.
Their 1993 album, Night Vision was produced and played on by Joe Louis Walker. It featured "My Next Ex-Wife," a witty blues-rocker that won Estrin a W.C. Handy Award for 'Song of the Year', highlighting his steadily growing reputation for songwriting prowess. Original drummer Dobie Strange left in 1996, after 20 years with the group, and his spot was taken by June Core.
In early 2008, Baty announced he was entering "soft" retirement, no longer tours with the band, except for possible reunion tours/shows in Europe and select North American festivals. Baty performed with JW-Jones at Mont Tremblant Blues Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, and Piazza Blues in Bellinzona, Switzerland in July 2009. Estrin continued with the band re-billed as Rick Estrin & the Nightcats. Baty was replaced on guitar by Chris 'Kid' Andersen (born 1980), originally from Telemark, Norway. Andersen had played backing Charlie Musselwhite as well as fronting his own band.
Baty's most recent blues recording was as a guest on JW-Jones, Bluelisted (2008), an album which marked the first time in his career that he documented his harmonica playing on a recording, and the first time he and another West Coast blues musician, Junior Watson, had recorded together on the same tracks.
The band dissolved in 2008, with three members going on to form Rick Estrin & the Nightcats.
My Money's Green
Little Charlie & The Nightcats Lyrics
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Little Charlie & Nightcats
Album: Disturbing The Peace
1988 - ALCD4761
Got a shark-skin suit, metallic blue.
Glows in the dark an' daytime, too.
Anytime I'm seen, I'm clean.
Pack my feet, Italian style.
In two-toned baby crocodile.
When I step, I'm steppin' out.
You can hear my money shout.
My money's green.
Well, it's green an long, an' fat.
My money's green.
A-honey that's where it's at.
My money's green.
Like to spend it ev'ryday.
My money's green.
It ain't nothin' but some paper, anyway.
Now, I don't know but I've been told.
Streets of heaven are paved with gold.
I don't know, but I've heard tell.
There ain't no money, down in (****).
Well, I played a deal with poverty.
We just let each other be.
I ain't rich, you understand.
But I got cash on hand.
My money's green.
Well, it's green, an' long, an' fat.
My money's green.
An' honey, that's where it's at.
My money's green.
Like to spend it ev'ryday.
My money's green.
It ain't nothin' but some paper, anyway.
(Instrumental & guitar solo)
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Spend my money when I can.
I might not have the chance again.
I can't tell you what to do.
But this is my advise to you.
If you're goin' out tonight.
Be sure your money's right.
My money's green.
Hey, it's green, an' long, an' fat.
My money's green.
Ooo! honey that's where it's at.
My money's green.
Like to spend it ev'ryday.
My money's green.
It ain't nothin' but some paper, anyway.
An' I don't care if the market crashed, cuz.
All of mine's tied up in cash!
The song "My Money's Green" by Little Charlie & Nightcats is a bluesy tune about the joys and pitfalls of having money. The singer sings about his flashy appearance, with a shark-skin suit and two-toned crocodile shoes, all bought with his rich green cash. He boasts about always being clean and well-presented, and how his money seems to give him a sort of power, making him stand out in the crowd. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the importance of his green money and how he loves to spend it every day. However, he also acknowledges that money is nothing but paper and that he might not have the chance to spend it again, so he advises people to be sure their money is right before going out.
Although the song is ultimately a fun and upbeat tune, it also touches on the reality of wealth disparity and social stratification. The singer's money gives him an advantage in many situations, but he still recognizes that not everyone has access to that kind of financial stability. He mentions that he made a deal with poverty, implying that he has had struggles in his life too. By repeating the phrase "my money's green," the song reminds us that financial status can play a significant role in how people see and treat each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a shark-skin suit, metallic blue.
I have an expensive and flashy outfit, made of rare and luxurious materials.
Glows in the dark an' daytime, too.
My suit is so eye-catching that it is noticeable at any time of day.
Anytime I'm seen, I'm clean.
I always look well-groomed and put-together thanks to my fashionable and expensive clothing.
'Cause honey, my money's green.
My wealth allows me to afford high-end clothing like this, and my money is a symbol of my status and success.
Pack my feet, Italian style.
I wear fancy and expensive shoes, made in the stylish Italian fashion.
In two-toned baby crocodile.
My shoes are crafted from the rare and expensive skin of crocodiles, in a unique and trendy two-tone pattern.
When I step, I'm steppin' out.
My expensive and fashionable shoes add to my confidence and swagger when I walk and strut my stuff.
You can hear my money shout.
My extravagant and luxurious lifestyle is made possible by my wealth, and it is evident in everything about me.
My money's green.
I am proud and boastful of my wealth, and it is an important part of my identity.
Well, it's green an long, an' fat.
My money is abundant and substantial, allowing me to enjoy the finest things in life.
Like to spend it ev'ryday.
I am not afraid to flaunt my wealth and enjoy life to the fullest by purchasing extravagances daily.
It ain't nothin' but some paper, anyway.
Despite the materialistic nature of my attitude, I recognize that money is only a material object, and not the most important thing in life.
Now, I don't know but I've been told.
I am uncertain about the veracity of this claim, but I have heard people say that
Streets of heaven are paved with gold.
In heaven, the highest reward is given and even the streets are made of the rarest of materials, gold.
I don't know, but I've heard tell.
I am not sure, but I have been informed that
There ain't no money, down in (****).
In this unspoken or censored place, there is no wealth or material resources one can possess.
Well, I played a deal with poverty.
I am familiar with the reality of poverty and have negotiated an arrangement with it to coexist peacefully.
We just let each other be.
I have made peace with poverty by respecting it and not trying to belittle it or use it for personal gain.
I ain't rich, you understand.
I do not necessarily consider myself to be wealthy, but I am comfortable and content with my finances.
But I got cash on hand.
I may not constantly flaunt my wealth, but I am capable of spending money when necessary or desirable.
Yesterday is history.
The past is finished and unchangeable.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
The future is uncertain and unpredictable.
Spend my money when I can.
I try to live in the moment and enjoy my wealth and freedom while it lasts.
I might not have the chance again.
I understand that my good fortune may not last forever and I should enjoy it while it lasts.
I can't tell you what to do.
I am not qualified to advise or instruct you on how to live your life.
But this is my advise to you.
Despite my disclaimer, I want to share my own personal guidance with you.
If you're goin' out tonight.
If you are planning to leave your home and socialize.
Be sure your money's right.
I recommend that you have enough money on hand to enjoy yourself and cope with any unexpected expenses.
Hey, it's green, an' long, an' fat.
I can't help but be proud and excited about how much wealth and money I have managed to accumulate.
Ooo! honey that's where it's at.
My wealth is a symbol of my personal success and fulfillment, something to be celebrated and proud of.
An' I don't care if the market crashed, cuz.
I am so financially secure and stable that I am not concerned or impacted by a possible market failure or recession.
All of mine's tied up in cash!
All of my money is securely deposited, invested or protected in financial assets and instruments instead of being exposed to risk.
Contributed by Vivian D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.