The band was formed in 1962 by lead singer/organist Larry Tamblyn and guitarist Tony Valentino. The Standells' first hit single was Dirty Water, which reached #11 on the Billboard charts on June 11, 1966.
Other hits included Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White, Why Pick On Me, Riot On Sunset Strip (about the 1966 riots resulting from police attacks on hippies), and Try It.
Singer/drummer Dick Dodd, founding drummer of The Bel Airs, who joined the group in 1964 and sang the lead on "Dirty Water", was a former Mouseketeer, and singer/keyboardist Larry Tamblyn, who sang the lead on many of the other Standells songs, is the brother of actor Russ Tamblyn and uncle of Amber Tamblyn, star of Joan of Arcadia. Dodd replaced original drummer Gary Leeds, who went on to fame as Gary Walker of The Walker Brothers. In 1967 John Fleckenstein (formerly of the group Love), joined the Standells. The group appeared in several low budget films of the 1960s, including "Get Yourself a College Girl" and cult classic "Riot on Sunset Strip", in which they performed the movie's title song. Lowell George, who would go on to play with Little Feat, briefly played guitar in the Standells prior to their breakup in 1969.
The Standells also made an appearance on the 1964-1966 television sitcom The Munsters in the episode "Far Out Munster". The band was an integral part of the show, and performed the songs "Come On and Ringo" and The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Furthermore, the group appeared on the television 1964-1965 sitcom The Bing Crosby Show, in the episode "Bugged by the Love Bugs", portraying the fictional rock group of the same name. They performed the songs "Someday You'll Cry" and "Come Here".
Despite the lyrics of "Dirty Water", which states, "Boston, you're my home." The Standells are not from Massachusetts. However, in 2007 the Massachusetts General Court officially decreed "Dirty Water" to be the "Official Victory Song of the Boston Red Sox" . Since 2004, the Standells have attended most every World Series at Fenway Park, including the final winning game in 2013. "Dirty Water" was written by their producer Ed Cobb. It is played after every home victory by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
Dodd and Valentino left the Standells in 2009. Dick Dodd passed away in 2013.
The Standells still are actively performing today, and have been receiving 'rave reviews' from music critics. They recently headlined in 2013 at the Adams Ave. St. Fair, San Diego, CA, and the Ponderosa Stomp, New Orleans, Lousiana. Original Members Larry Tamblyn and John Fleck are still in the group, along with co-lead singer Mark Adrian and drummer Greg Burnham. The group has recently released a new album Bump on GRA Records. They been booked on an extensive East Coast tour from April - May, 2014. Learn more about the Standells by visiting http://www.standells-official.com and http://www.facebook.com/Standells
Money
The Standells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
You're lovin' gives me a thrill
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want, wah
Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
Well now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, I wanna be free
Oh I want money
That's what I want
That's what I want, well
Now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, you need money
Now, give me money
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want
The lyrics to The Standells' song "Money" reflect a desire for material wealth and financial stability. The opening lines, "The best things in life are free, but you can keep them for the birds and bees," suggest that while there may be intangible and priceless joys in life, they are not enough to satisfy the singer's immediate needs and desires. The reference to birds and bees symbolizes the natural world and its simplistic pleasures, which the singer considers insufficient.
The repeated phrase "Now give me money, that's what I want" emphasizes the singer's demand for financial resources. It conveys a sense of urgency and reinforces the idea that money is the primary goal. The repetition of the phrase further highlights the importance placed on monetary acquisition in the pursuit of a better life.
The line "You're lovin' gives me a thrill, but you're lovin' don't pay my bills" shifts the focus to personal relationships, suggesting that love and emotional fulfillment alone cannot satisfy the practical needs and responsibilities tied to financial obligations. It implies that despite the enjoyment derived from love, the singer requires financial security to address their everyday necessities.
The lyrics also acknowledge the limitations of money, with the lines "Money don't get everything it's true, what it don't get, I can't use." This suggests that while money can provide certain comforts and conveniences, it is not a substitute for all aspects of life. The implied message is that money alone cannot buy happiness, but it is still seen as essential for survival and security.
Overall, "Money" reflects a longing for financial freedom and highlights the belief that money plays a vital role in achieving personal satisfaction and stability. It emphasizes the practical aspects of life and the pursuit of material wealth, while acknowledging the intangible and immeasurable value of non-monetary joys.
Line by Line Meaning
The best things in life are free
Although some things in life are free and bring joy, they are insignificant compared to the desire for money.
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
The free things in life may be enjoyed by nature, but they hold no value or importance for me.
Now give me money
I demand to receive financial wealth.
That's what I want
Money is my ultimate desire and goal.
You're lovin' gives me a thrill
Although your love brings excitement and pleasure, it cannot fulfill my monetary needs.
But you're lovin' don't pay my bills
Love and affection cannot provide me with the necessary funds to cover my expenses.
Money don't get everything it's true
Money is not the solution to all problems and cannot acquire certain intangible things.
What it don't get, I can't use
Money is only valuable if it can be used to obtain desired possessions and experiences.
Well now give me money
I urge you to provide me with a significant amount of money.
A lot of money
Not just a small sum, but a substantial quantity of wealth.
Wow, yeah, I wanna be free
Having a significant amount of money would grant me freedom and independence.
Oh I want money
I desire money above all else.
Yeah, you need money
Money is a necessity for you as well, and you should recognize its importance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L., Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, CTM Publishing
Written by: Janie Bradford, Berry Gordy Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind