Smokie is an English pop rock band from Bradford who found success in Europ… Read Full Bio ↴Smokie is an English pop rock band from Bradford who found success in Europe and the U.S. in the 70s. They formed in 1966 in Yorkshire, England and did some early records under the name "Smokey". The band broke into the mainstream after teaming up with songwriters Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, artists known for also working with Pat Benatar and Sweet among others. Smokie is perhaps best known for "Living Next Door to Alice", one of their top hits that was a U.K. top 5 single.

While touring in Ireland, the discovered the audience would cheer back "Who the Fuck is Alice?". As it turns out , this was a ritual at a Café in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) called "Gompie". The group decided to "cover" this version with comedian Roy Chubby Brown having the honor of yelling "Alice, Who the Fuck is Alice?" during the chorus. Thus, Smokie holds the record as the first group to have a top ten song with the word "fuck" in it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokie_(band)

It Makes Me Money
Smokie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I hear you didn't like my show
Well that's alright
A critic's views are not all you know
Well that's alright

It makes me money
It makes me money
It makes me money

And that's alright

Your paper and your pen's so lethal
But that's alright
You really can influence people
Well that's alright

It makes me money...

You think you're big time Mr. Man
Well tell me something if you can
Why don't you make me a star
Then I'll remember jsut who you are, sav
Wish I could hear you say
Well he's alright
He's a star and he's here to stay
Well that's alright

It makes me money...

It makes me money,
(So you don't like my show)
It makes me money
(Well that's too bad you know)
It makes me money
(It makes me money)

And that's alright
And that's alright

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Smokie's song "It Makes Me Money" are a reflection on the music industry and the relationship between artists and critics. The opening lines suggest that someone (presumably a critic) did not enjoy Smokie's show. However, the singer dismisses this criticism, stating that a critic's views should not be the sole determining factor of an artist's worth. The chorus repeats the phrase "It makes me money" four times, affirming that despite any negative feedback, the artist's commercial success is what truly matters.

The song also touches on the power of the media and the influence that critics hold over the public. The lyrics acknowledge that a critic's words can be "lethal" but also suggests that their opinions may not reflect the viewer's own experience. The line "You really can influence people" may be interpreted as a critique of the way critics can shape public opinion despite being just one voice.

The final verse of the song challenges the critic personally, suggesting that if they truly believe they could make Smokie a star, then they should do so. The lyric "Then I'll remember just who you are, sav" can be read as an acknowledgement that the status of a critic is fleeting and ultimately unimportant, whereas the success of an artist can last a lifetime.

Overall, "It Makes Me Money" is a commentary on the relationship between artists, critics, and the media. The song acknowledges the role that critics can play in an artist's success, but ultimately asserts that commercial gain should be the primary concern.

Line by Line Meaning

I hear you didn't like my show
I am aware that you did not enjoy my performance

Well that's alright
However, it is not a big concern for me

A critic's views are not all you know
Your perspective is not the only one that matters

Well that's alright
But it does not affect me too much

It makes me money
Despite negative reviews, my show still earns me income

Your paper and your pen's so lethal
Your words hold much power

But that's alright
Yet it does not concern me much

You really can influence people
You have the ability to sway people's opinions

Well that's alright
Although it does not affect my income

You think you're big time Mr. Man
I sense that you consider yourself as someone important

Well tell me something if you can
If you believe you can benefit me, then let me know