Born in Siparia, Tiger was originally a boxer who won the Trinidad bantamweight championship in 1929. He was active in calypso from his teens. He was a member of the Old Brigade of calypso singers, which included Lord Beginner, Attila The Hun, the Roaring Lion, and Lord Pretender. In 1935, he went to New York with Attila and Lord Beginner to record for the Decca label. In 1939, he won the first Calypso Monarch competition with "The Labour Situation in Trinidad And Tobago."
More so than his contemporaries he sang about social and political issues. His best known songs are "Money is King," about economic inequality, and "The Gold in Africa," about the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. Recording together with Atilla and Beginner as the Keskidee Trio, he recorded some lighter tunes, including "Don't Let Me Mother Know."
Folklorist Alan Lomax recorded him in 1962. In 1966, Growling Tiger performed at the Newport Folk Festival. In 1979, he recorded an album "Knockdown Calypsos" for Rounder Records.
Money Is King
The Tiger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If a man have money today, people do not care if he have kokobe
He can commit murder and get off free, and live in the governor's company
But if you are poor, people will tell you "Shoo", and a dog is better than you
If you have money to buy in a store, the boss will shake your hand at the door
He will call the clerk to take down everything: whiskey, cloth, earring and diamond ring
He will send them to your home on a motor bike. You can pay the bills whenever you like
A man with a collar and tie and waist-coat, ask the Chinee-man to trust him after accra and float
"Me no trust-am", bawl out the Chinee-man, "You better move-am from me frying pan
You college man, me no know A B C. You want-am accra gie-am penny"
And the worms start to jump in the man's belly, and he cry out, "A dog is better than me!"
A dog can walk about and take up bone, fowl head, stale bread, fish-tail and pone
It it's a good breed and not too wild, some people will take it and mind as a child
But when a hungry man goes out to beg, they will set a bull-dog behind his leg
Twenty policemen may chock him down, too. You see where a dog is better than you
If you have money and things going nice, any woman would call you honey and spice
But if you can't give her a dress or a new pair of shoes, she'll say she have no uses for you
When you try to caress her, she will tell you "Stop! I can't carry love in the Chinee shop"
And most of you will agree that it's true, if you haven't money, dog is better than you
The Tiger's song Money Is King speaks to the harsh realities of life and how money can determine one's standing in society. The lyrics start by pointing out the common saying that money is the key to everything, and that people don't really care about other qualities as long as you have it. The song talks about how money can make you above the law, even if you commit murder, and how poverty can lead to being shunned and treated as less than an animal. The lyrics then move on to talk about how having money makes life easier, with the ability to buy anything you want and not having to answer to anyone. The song goes on to explain how even a man with a collar and tie can be turned down by a Chinee-man because of his lack of money. The lyrics end by talking about how having money can make you desirable to people, while a lack of it can turn you away, even from those you love.
The song is a powerful commentary on the role of money and class in society. It highlights the inequality that exists and how people are willing to overlook a lot for those who have money. It also shows how harshly those who are poor are treated and how even dogs are considered better than them. Additionally, the song highlights how possessions can determine one's value, with women only interested in those who can buy them dresses and shoes.
Line by Line Meaning
If a man have money today, people do not care if he have kokobe
Money can make people ignore your flaws and shortcomings.
He can commit murder and get off free, and live in the governor's company
Money and power can enable someone to evade punishment for their crimes and live among high society.
But if you are poor, people will tell you "Shoo", and a dog is better than you
Society often treats poor people with disdain and considers them lesser than animals.
If you have money to buy in a store, the boss will shake your hand at the door
Having money can earn you respect and special treatment from those who benefit from it.
He will call the clerk to take down everything: whiskey, cloth, earring and diamond ring
With money, you can have anything you desire, no matter how expensive or luxurious.
He will send them to your home on a motor bike. You can pay the bills whenever you like
Having money allows you to live a life of convenience and luxury, with the ability to pay later.
And not a soul will ask you a thing. They know very well that money is king
Money holds a lot of power in society, and people are often willing to overlook unethical or illegal behavior if there is enough money involved.
A man with a collar and tie and waist-coat, ask the Chinee-man to trust him after accra and float
Even with all the trappings of success, people may still face discrimination and mistrust based on their race or ethnicity.
"Me no trust-am", bawl out the Chinee-man, "You better move-am from me frying pan
Some people may be wary of trusting others with money, regardless of their appearance or status.
You college man, me no know A B C. You want-am accra gie-am penny"
Being educated and successful does not automatically earn someone the respect or trust of others, particularly if they come from different backgrounds.
And the worms start to jump in the man's belly, and he cry out, "A dog is better than me!"
Being rejected or looked down upon can cause feelings of embarrassment, shame, and worthlessness.
A dog can walk about and take up bone, fowl head, stale bread, fish-tail and pone
Even a stray animal can scavenge enough food to survive, whereas poor people may struggle to obtain basic necessities.
It it's a good breed and not too wild, some people will take it and mind as a child
Some animals are even treated better than poor or homeless people, receiving more care and consideration from society.
But when a hungry man goes out to beg, they will set a bull-dog behind his leg
On the other hand, poor individuals face hostility, discrimination, and punishment simply for trying to meet their basic needs.
Twenty policemen may chock him down, too. You see where a dog is better than you
The police and other authorities may use unnecessary force and violence against poor and marginalized communities, adding to their suffering and disadvantage.
If you have money and things going nice, any woman would call you honey and spice
Money and material possessions can attract people to you, regardless of your personality, values, or character.
But if you can't give her a dress or a new pair of shoes, she'll say she have no uses for you
Having money can lead some people to view others as disposable, only caring about what they can offer in terms of wealth or status.
When you try to caress her, she will tell you "Stop! I can't carry love in the Chinee shop"
Even love and intimacy are subjected to the influence of money and materialism, with some people valuing expensive gifts and trappings over genuine connections.
And most of you will agree that it's true, if you haven't money, dog is better than you
Societal attitudes towards poverty and the poor can make them feel dehumanized and worthless, with even animals being viewed as more valuable and deserving of care and compassion.
Contributed by David L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nice.one.mate.
People don't realise. The message in this song is still valid today in 2020. These guys were a lot smarter than the time allowed other to believe. Timeless
@trinity3899
Found this two days ago and and I'm still listening 🎶 😎😎 the song is ! 😎😎
A dog is better than me
@jmg2183
That is wonderful! Thank you.
@iloveyouhernandoquispe203
Love listening this kind of music 😍😍😍.
@axelnatural
Still True Nowadays!!!!
@krisztusa
WHAT A KING SONG!
@cate7791
Thanks for uploading this!
@chrisestine957
Who's Listening in 2020?
@chucknefzger2210
Now listen to Leyla Mccalla's 2020 version
@lordkicker8359
Me