Band members:
Andrew VanWyngarden (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums)
Ben Goldwasser (keyboards, vocals, guitar)
Matthew Asti (bass, keyboards)
James Richardson (guitar, vocals)
Hank Sullivant (guitar, keyboards)
Will Berman (drums)
You can learn more about MGMT, browse photos, and see the tour schedule at the Official Website.
Money to Burn
MGMT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
breaker breaker did you hear about the fire
It's such a tragedy lives lost mothers crying
no time to react its getting down to the wire
but when the wheels stop turning your in trouble
head for the rubble and close your eyes
standing on the interstate
but if you've got some money to burn
you can do the talking and I'll wait my turn
people say it's suicide
but nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
people say it's suicide
watching it rain on a Saturday, Saturday
breaker breaker did you hear about the ship
it's a tragedy lives lost falling hero
so close to the end of a successful trip
but when the world stops turning you're in trouble
head for the rubble and close your eyes
standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
but if you've got some money to burn
you can do talking and I'll wait my turn
people say its suicide
but nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
people say its suicide
standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
but if you've got some money to burn
you can do talking and I'll wait my turn
people say its suicide
but nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
people say its suicide
whooaaa
The lyrics to MGMT's "Money to Burn" can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but at its core, the song seems to be about taking risks in life and living on the edge. The line "changing lanes on a Saturday" sets the scene for a reckless, impulsive act that could result in tragedy, as seen in the references to a fire and a fallen hero. Despite the dangers, the singer seems to be willing to take the risk, conveying a sense of thrill-seeking and a lack of concern for the consequences of their actions.
The repeated refrain "people say it's suicide" adds to this theme of recklessness, as the singer seems aware of the risks but chooses to disregard them anyway. The line "nothing from nothing is a way of life" could be interpreted as a justification for this mindset, suggesting that taking risks is better than not taking any risks at all. Overall, the lyrics of "Money to Burn" paint a picture of a daredevil spirit, willing to take chances and live life to the fullest, regardless of the potential consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
changing lanes on a Saturday
Driving recklessly and making impulsive decisions on a weekend.
breaker breaker did you hear about the fire
Referring to a discussion of some sort of news about a fire incident.
It's such a tragedy lives lost mothers crying
Expressing the concern about the loss of lives due to the tragedy and how it affects families.
no time to react its getting down to the wire
Feeling overwhelmed and rushing through a situation where time is running out.
but when the wheels stop turning your in trouble
Stating how stopping in the middle of a process can lead to unexpected problems.
head for the rubble and close your eyes
Advising the listener to prepare for the aftermath and not witness it.
standing on the interstate
Being on a road with constant movement and activity.
I can see you coming from a mile away
Observing someone approaching from a distance, probably implying that they're easy to predict.
but if you've got some money to burn
Implying if the person has money to spare or offering them a chance to carry out an expensive plan.
you can do the talking and I'll wait my turn
Stating that one has to wait for their opportunity to speak or act.
people say it's suicide
Referring to a risk or negative consequence of an action that people are warning against.
but nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
Acknowledging that the person is aware of the risks they're taking and that they chose that way of life.
watching it rain on a Saturday, Saturday
Watching as bad things happen on a day that's supposed to be enjoyable.
breaker breaker did you hear about the ship
Referring to a discussion of some sort of news about a ship incident.
it's a tragedy lives lost falling hero
Expressing the concern about the loss of lives due to the tragedy and how it affects society as a whole, especially when a hero or respected figure is involved.
so close to the end of a successful trip
Pointing out that the tragedy happened at a point where everything seemed to be going well.
but when the world stops turning you're in trouble
Stating how a sudden halt or change can lead to problems.
whooaaa
An exclamation expressing surprise or awe.
Contributed by Anna F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
st. drum
"Money To Burn"
Changing lanes on a Saturday
Breaker a record did you hear about the fire
It's such a tragedy lives lost mothers crying
No time to react its getting down to the wire
But when the wheels stop turning your in trouble
Head for the rubble and close your eyes
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do the talking and I'll wait my turn
People say it's suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say it's suicide
Watching it rain on a Saturday, Saturday
Breaker breaker did you hear about the ship
It's a tragedy lives lost falling hero
So close to the end of a successful trip
But when the world stops turning you're in trouble
Head for the rubble and close your eyes
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do talking and I'll wait my turn
People say its suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say its suicide
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do talking and I'll wait my turn
People say its suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say its suicide
Whooaaa
Dionyzus
Few people know this, but the fish displayed in the lower half of this cover is called a Halthurg by the people of some islands of the pacific, it swims backwards and because of this it is worshiped by some cultures as a deity of the ocean that is capable of rewinding time, holding the existence for eternity.
Pepperoni290
How did you figure that?
neva giveup420
still jammin in 2021
st. drum
"Money To Burn"
Changing lanes on a Saturday
Breaker a record did you hear about the fire
It's such a tragedy lives lost mothers crying
No time to react its getting down to the wire
But when the wheels stop turning your in trouble
Head for the rubble and close your eyes
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do the talking and I'll wait my turn
People say it's suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say it's suicide
Watching it rain on a Saturday, Saturday
Breaker breaker did you hear about the ship
It's a tragedy lives lost falling hero
So close to the end of a successful trip
But when the world stops turning you're in trouble
Head for the rubble and close your eyes
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do talking and I'll wait my turn
People say its suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say its suicide
Standing on the interstate
I can see you coming from a mile away
But if you've got some money to burn
You can do talking and I'll wait my turn
People say its suicide
But nothing from nothing is a way of life, yeah
People say its suicide
Whooaaa
Grant Williams
Thank you
karencoyote
everyone should make a band that resembles mgmt, and we can start a revolution, and our kids will grow up listening to the stuff we like, and cant easily find.
Magiusicgician
@Enzo Bernardes Together together together together....
MOHAMED ELMOUJTAHIDE
you are absolutely right
Tree Funk Jones
Austin Micheal ya know funny thing is Andy was in a band called glitter penis and they had a song called revolution
karencoyote
Ahaha, That's a perfect quote.