In 1974 and 1975, she recorded for Avco Records, and, in 1981, recorded for Plantation Records, her most recent record label. Page's most recent single to appear on any Billboard chart was the 1982 #80 country single, "My Man Friday". (She last appeared on the pop chart in 1968, with her version of O.C. Smith's hit, "Little Green Apples", and on the Adult Contemporary chart with "Give Him Love" in 1971.)
Page made the country chart in up to 1983, with her biggest hit during that time being "Hello, We're Lonely," a 1973 #14 duet with Tom T. Hall.
In the 1990s, Page started her own label, C.A.F. Records. In 1998, she won a Grammy as "Best Traditional Pop Singer". Page continued to record into the new millenium with the CDs BRAND NEW TENNESSEE WALTZ, SWEET SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS (2002), CHILD OF MINE (2003) and her last 2009 release BEST OF COUNTRY. Many of her songs have a strong beat to them that prelude rock 'n' roll. These titles include "Mister and Mississippi", "Detour" and "Cross Over the Bridge". In 1956, she married choreographer Charles O'Curran. They adopted two children, a daughter, Kathleen, and a son, Daniel O'Curran.
Money Marbles and Chalk
Patti Page Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard it before I could walk
How some's got health and some's got wealth
Others money, marbles, and chalk
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
But I still feel like I am poor
'Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
While you were near I was happy and gay
Your presence made me feel so proud
But you left me for another, one day
Now I feel all alone in a crowd
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
But I still feel like I am poor
'Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
And my chalk won't write anymore
The money, marbles, and chalk is alright
For misers who loves only gold
But give me a chance to save our romance
For I love you with all of my soul
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
But I still feel like I am poor
'Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
And my chalk won't write anymore
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
But I still feel like I am poor
'Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
And my chalk won't write anymore
The song Money, Marbles, and Chalk by Patti Page is a poignant reflection on the emptiness of material possessions in comparison to the depth of love and affection. The lyrics speak of the old saying that some people have health, others wealth, and some have money, marbles, and chalk. The singer reflects on her own possession of money, marbles, and chalk, but how she still feels poor despite these material possessions. Her money won't spend, her marbles won't roll, and her chalk won't write anymore, suggesting that these things, while valuable, cannot fulfill her.
The singer then reflects on a lost love, where the presence of her beloved made her feel happy and proud. However, since the beloved left her, she feels all alone in a crowd. She longs to save their romance, for she loves her beloved with all her soul. At the end of the song, she reiterates her possession of money, marbles, and chalk, but how they do not fulfill her as love and affection would. The song implies that while physical possessions may bring temporary happiness, true fulfillment lies in love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
There's an old sayin' that's been all around
There is a well-known proverb that has been passed down for generations.
I heard it before I could walk
I learned it so early in life that I can't even remember when I first heard it.
How some's got health and some's got wealth
Some people are fortunate to have good health, while others are fortunate to have financial prosperity.
Others money, marbles, and chalk
Some people may be fortunate enough to have money, marbles, and chalk as their possessions.
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
I too have money, marbles, and chalk but, my dear, it doesn't bring me happiness.
But I still feel like I am poor
Despite having these possessions, I still feel destitute and unhappy.
Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
My money is not enough, and my marbles are boring me or have lost their charm.
And my chalk won't write anymore
My creativity has disappeared, or inspiration no longer flows freely.
While you were near I was happy and gay
When you were with me, I was so joyful and carefree.
Your presence made me feel so proud
You made me feel so deserving of admiration and esteem.
But you left me for another, one day
One day you left me for someone else.
Now I feel all alone in a crowd
Even though there are many people around me, I feel like I'm by myself.
The money, marbles, and chalk is alright
For those who have an affinity for material possessions, the acquisition of money, marbles, and chalk may suffice.
For misers who loves only gold
For people who are particularly fond of collecting and hoarding things, particularly gold.
But give me a chance to save our romance
Please give me the opportunity to preserve our relationship.
For I love you with all of my soul
This is because I love you with all of my heart, mind, and spirit.
I got money, marbles, and chalk, sweetheart
I keep reiterating that I have money, marbles, and chalk, my dear, but none of it holds any promise.
But I still feel like I am poor
All objects of value in the world won't make me happy if the person that owns my heart is not by my side.
Cause my money won't spend and my marbles won't roll
Having no money is one thing, but having it and still being unable to use it is another. And even when they can, they're not fulfilling enough.
And my chalk won't write anymore
You could have all the inspiration in the world, but without the person that motivates you, it's meaningless.
Writer(s): Pop Eckler
Contributed by Lillian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Telcom100
"Duet by Patti Page" on the label. An interesting predecessor to her big hit the next year, "Tennessee Waltz" where she also sings with herself in a duet.