Based in San Francisco, California since 1997, the band Tea Leaf Green is T… Read Full Bio ↴Based in San Francisco, California since 1997, the band Tea Leaf Green is Trevor Garrod (Keys), Josh Clark (Guitar), Scott Rager (Drums), Cochrane Mcmillan (Drums, Percussion, from Apollo Sunshine), and Reed Mathis (Bass; from Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey who joined TLG when Ben Chambers left the band "to pursue life's other passions"). Steve Adams (Bass; from ALO) also played some shows on bass mainly in the interim between Ben and Reed. The band has steadily gained momentum and picked up new fans since their eponymous debut album Tea Leaf Green in 1999. Their music is a mix of Jam, Classic Rock, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, and Jazz. However, labeling this group proves to be more difficult than one might expect. When asked how they would describe themselves, they often respond that they are a "Rock n' Roll band" and they released a live album and DVD called Rock 'N' Roll Band. Their ability to pull off a wide variety of styles makes their music dynamic yet always recognizable. The distinct voices of Trevor Garrod and Josh Clark contribute to stylistic identity and diversity, with Trevor singing lead vocals the majority of the time.

In 1999 Tea Leaf Green released their debut album Tea Leaf Green.

Next Tea Leaf Green released Midnight On The Reservoir.

In 2003 Tea Leaf Green released Living In Between.

In 2006 Tea Leaf Green released Taught To Be Proud on their own record label, the fourth and final album with founding band member Ben Chambers on bass.

In 2008 Tea Leaf Green released Raise Up The Tent on Surfdog Records, recorded 2 weeks after Reed Mathis joined the band on bass.

In 2010 Tea Leaf Green released Looking West on independent, an album of older songs newly recorded and mixed wtih Reed Mathis.

In 2011 Tea Leaf Green released Radio Tragedy! on independent, the first TLG studio album with dual drummers with Cochrane on drums and percussion.

Join up with fellow leafers on the forum and find more info at http://www.tealeafgreen.com.

If It Wasn't for the Money
Tea Leaf Green Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If it wasn't for the money
I'd be on the train already.
If it wasn't for your lovin'
I'd be out there on the street.

And if I took my chances,
I'm sure I could keep it steady.
Steady friend until the end,

You keep me on my feet.

I was conceived by manuals,
By articles, and books.
But nothin' there is magical,
It's just as it looks.

And they say the truth's statistical
But we all know they lie.
So let us lie together,
Lie together beneath the sky.

I'm seeking opportunity.
Take me by the hand.
Show me where I'm goin',
Show me who I am.

Because all I need's a drop of water,
I'm a seed born on the wind.
I was once a flower,
And I'll be a flower again.

I was once a flower,
And I'll be a flower again.

Overall Meaning

Tea Leaf Green's song "If It Wasn't for the Money" describes the internal struggle of an individual between their desire for financial stability and their love for someone. The song speaks about how the individual would have already left on a train to pursue their dreams and goals, but their love for someone is holding them back. They feel that their love is more important than their aspirations, and they are willing to sacrifice their plans for the relationship.

The lyrics also describe the individual's desire for guidance and self-discovery. They seek someone to lead them to their destination and reveal their true identity. They compare themselves to a seed on the wind, seeking a drop of water to grow and flourish.

The songwriters also address the concept of truth in the lyrics. They mention the statistical approach to truth that society commonly follows, although they believe that this is not entirely correct. They acknowledge that sometimes people need to lie to each other to maintain a relationship, and that honesty is not always the best policy.

Overall, the song's lyrics speak to the internal balance between seeking one's own goals and desires and maintaining relationships with others. It demonstrates the complexity of these internal struggles and how they can influence one's life decisions.

Line by Line Meaning

If it wasn't for the money
Without the presence of monetary incentives, I would have already boarded the train.

If it wasn't for your lovin'
If not for your love, I'd be homeless and wandering the streets.

And if I took my chances, I'm sure I could keep it steady.
If I risked it all, I have faith that I would succeed and maintain stability.

Steady friend until the end, You keep me on my feet.
You're a loyal and supportive friend, always helping me stay grounded and standing firm.

I was conceived by manuals, By articles, and books.
My knowledge and worldview were shaped by books, articles, and manuals vs. organic experience.

But nothin' there is magical, It's just as it looks.
There's nothing supernatural or extraordinary about the written word; it's exactly what it appears to be.

And they say the truth's statistical, But we all know they lie.
They claim that truth is quantifiable, but we recognize this as a deception.

So let us lie together, Lie together beneath the sky.
Let us remain together and speaking fibs under the heavens.

I'm seeking opportunity. Take me by the hand.
I'm looking for a chance to grow and learn; will you guide me?

Show me where I'm goin', Show me who I am.
Help me understand my destiny and identity.

Because all I need's a drop of water, I'm a seed born on the wind.
I require very little to thrive, as I'm accustomed to the uncertainty and turbulence of life.

I was once a flower, And I'll be a flower again.
Though I've faced many seasons of growth and decay, I'll continue to blossom anew.

Contributed by Eliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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