It's from their album El Camino (2011).
Money Maker
The Black Keys Lyrics
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Oh, she wants filthy money
But oh, that's not the way it goes
I wanna buy some time but don't have a dime
Hey my my she's a money maker
Hey my my she's gonna take ya
Way down down she's bound to break ya
Oh, she just keeps me guessing
Oh, never tells me yes and
Oh, I just can't let go
And nothin' that I show will ever do, for you
Hey my my she's a money maker
Hey my my she's gonna take ya
Way down down she's bound to break ya
Hey may she's a money maker
Hey my my she's a money maker
Hey my my she's gonna take ya
Way down down she's bound to break ya
Hey may she's a money maker
The Black Keys' "Money Maker" is a song about a woman who wants to live the high life and is willing to do anything to get there. The opening lines "Oh, she wants milk and honey, oh, she wants filthy money" imply that she wants the best of everything, from the luxurious lifestyle of milk and honey to the dirty, devious methods of earning money. Despite this, the singer recognizes that this approach will not lead to true happiness and fulfillment.
The chorus, with the repetition of "Hey my my she's a money maker" points to the fact that this woman is skilled at manipulating others and getting what she wants, even if it means using her sexuality or other tactics. The final line of the chorus, "Hey may she's a money maker," can also be interpreted as a nod to the fact that this woman is going places and will succeed at any cost.
The verses describe the singer's relationship with this woman, who keeps him guessing and always wanting more. He's unable to let go of her, despite his awareness of her manipulative nature. Ultimately, the song seems to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of being seduced by the allure of money and material possessions.
Overall, "Money Maker" is a gritty, bluesy track that explores themes of power, desire, and the darker side of human nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, she wants milk and honey
She desires the sweet and luxurious things in life.
Oh, she wants filthy money
She wants to accumulate wealth by any means necessary.
But oh, that's not the way it goes
However, things do not always work out as one expects.
I wanna buy some time but don't have a dime
The artist desires the ability to have more leisure, but lacks the financial means to do so.
Hey my my she's a money maker
The woman in question is very skilled at acquiring wealth.
Hey my my she's gonna take ya
She will make use of others or possibly take them for granted in the pursuit of gaining more money.
Way down down she's bound to break ya
Her actions may lead to the downfall or harm of those around her.
Hey may she's a money maker
Once again, this woman is very adept at acquiring wealth.
Oh, she just keeps me guessing
The artist is uncertain of the woman's intentions and actions.
Oh, never tells me yes and
She never commits or gives a clear answer.
Oh, I just can't let go
The singer is unable to walk away from the situation, even though it may not be healthy for them.
And nothin' that I show will ever do, for you
The things the artist does for the woman will never be enough or appreciated by her.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Auerbach, Brian Joseph Burton, Patrick Carney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind