The band released a couple of singles, participated in a few compilation but only made one full album: “Teenage Drool” (1994). In 1993 Tina and The Top Ten opened for Sonic Youth’s first gig in Portugal.
In 1998 Tina and the Top Ten played two shows at Expo'98, in Lisbon, never to come back on stage ever again.
On it’s most consistent and enduring line up the band included: João Paulo Feliciano on vocals and guitar; Johnny O. Silva on guitar; Manuel Duarte on bass; Mimi on vocals; Pedro Falcão on drums.
DAY BY DAY
Tina and the Top Ten Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But is it wrong to love, 'cause I'm not a rich girl
I thought that love would make my life bright and sunny
They said I couldn't love him 'cause he didn't have no money
So every day, I have to cry some
Every day, I have to cry some
Dry the water from my eyes some
I had me a guy, I guess I really loved him
'Cause every night, I was always thinking of him
But you can't mix love with money
'Cause if you do, it's gonna hurt somebody
So every day, I have to cry some
Every day, I have to cry some
Dry the water from my eyes some
Every day, I have to cry
Lord, I know that I'm just a poor girl
But is it wrong to love, 'cause I'm not a rich girl
I thought that love would make my life bright and sunny
They said I couldn't love him 'cause I didn't have no money
So every day, I have to cry some
Every day, I have to cry some
Dry the water from my eyes some
Every day, I have to cry
In Tina and the Top Ten's song Day By Day, the lyrics describe a young woman who is struggling to find love because of her lack of wealth. Despite feeling like she is just a "poor girl," she believes that love should be able to make her life "bright and sunny." Unfortunately, those around her do not believe that she should be able to love someone who does not have any money. As a result, she is often left to cry and dry the water from her eyes.
Throughout the song, the singer reflects on a past love interest who she truly cared about. Despite her feelings for him, she realizes that she cannot mix love with money because it will only end up hurting someone in the end. Despite her struggles, she continues to hold onto the belief that love is what matters most, even if she is not a rich girl.
Overall, Day By Day is a poignant commentary on the many ways that society places arbitrary restrictions on love and relationships. The song speaks to the idea that love should not be measured by one's monetary status, and that true happiness comes from the connections we make with others on a deeper, more profound level.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, I know that I'm just a poor girl
I acknowledge that I am from a low-income background
But is it wrong to love, 'cause I'm not a rich girl
Is it unfair for me to experience love just because I lack wealth?
I thought that love would make my life bright and sunny
I believed love would bring happiness and positivity into my life
They said I couldn't love him 'cause he didn't have no money
Others told me I shouldn't have feelings for him because he didn't possess wealth
So every day, I have to cry some
I cry daily due to my emotional pain
Every day, I have to cry some
Again, I weep every day
Dry the water from my eyes some
I try to wipe away my tears
I had me a guy, I guess I really loved him
I had a deep affection for a certain man
'Cause every night, I was always thinking of him
He was constantly on my mind each and every night
But you can't mix love with money
You should not equate love with financial status
'Cause if you do, it's gonna hurt somebody
This mindset will lead someone to be hurt or disappointed
Lord, I know that I'm just a poor girl
Once more, I recognize my lack of wealth
But is it wrong to love, 'cause I'm not a rich girl
Reasserting the question of whether love should be inaccessible based on financial status
I thought that love would make my life bright and sunny
A repetition of the optimistic belief about how love should bring positivity
They said I couldn't love him 'cause I didn't have no money
A reiteration of the societal pressure against loving without wealth
So every day, I have to cry some
A final time, I emphasize the emotional struggle I go through every day
Every day, I have to cry some
As before, highlighting the constant tears
Dry the water from my eyes some
Once again, I attempt to wipe away my tears
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ARTHUR JR. ALEXANDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind