His real name is Antonio de la Cuesta and he started playing music in the 80's, when he participated in three different punk bands: Cagando Duro (The Hard Shit), Tijuana in Blue and Kojon Prieto y Los Huajolotes. The last one quickly became famous all over Spain, as they were playing covers of artists such as Al Bano and Raffaella Carra. Through one of their fantastic live appearances they drew the attention of Manu Chao, former leader of Mano Negra.
A few years later, in 2000, he would be the producer in Carotone's first solo album: “E Un Mondo Difficile”. The name that he now uses is a paraphrase of the Italian Carosone, in honour of an eminent Italian singer of the 50's, Renato Carosone (his big hit is “Tu Vuò Fà L'americano”).
His music combines punk with elements from Spanish, Italian, French, even Mexican popular music. It resembles the band Negresses Vertes and the solo works of Manu Chao, while a lot of critics are placing his music somewhere between Adriano Celentano and Tom Waits. The lyrics of his songs are often amusing, ironic or even surreal.
No Dollar
Tonino Carotone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't got no dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
It's not like sugar
When you hold only sand
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
Nothing to tell
I behaved well
Did all my best
All my best as you said
But now it's time
To satisfy my mind
Another drink and I will see the sign
Ain't got no dollar
Ain't got no dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
It's not like sugar
When you hold only sand
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
Despite this sweat
The time is fast
But very slow, very slow walks the past
Let me go wrong
Whenever I want
Another beer and I will be more strong
Ain't got no dollar
Ain't got no dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
It's not like sugar
When you hold only sand
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
No fucking dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
Ain't got no dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
It's not like sugar
When you hold only sand
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
Ain't got no dollar (ain't got no dollar)
Ain't got no dollar, man
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
It's not like sugar (it's not like sugar)
When you hold only sand
Ain't got no dollar
No dollar in my hands
No dollar
The lyrics of Tonino Carotone's song "No Dollar" express a sentiment of lack and insufficiency, a feeling of being empty handed and without means. The repetition of the phrase "Ain't got no dollar" emphasizes the singer's financial insecurity and inability to buy the things he needs or wants. The comparison between money and sugar, as sweet and desirable things, highlights the importance of material goods and the frustration of not having them, while the metaphor of sand in the hands suggests the fleeting and elusive nature of wealth. Despite having behaved well, the singer feels entitled to indulge in his desires and seek satisfaction, suggesting a rebellious and hedonistic attitude. The final exclamation of "No fucking dollar, man" further emphasizes his frustration and sense of injustice.
Overall, the song represents a critique of an economic system that leaves certain people without access to resources, as well as a call to resist conformity and embrace individual freedom. The lyrics also reflect the influence of various musical genres, such as punk and folk, and convey a playful and ironic tone that engages the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't got no dollar
I do not possess any currency
Ain't got no dollar, man
I still do not possess any currency
Ain't got no dollar
I continue to lack any currency
No dollar in my hands
I am physically empty-handed when it comes to money
It's not like sugar
Money cannot be held and cherished like sugar
When you hold only sand
Like sand, money slips through your fingers and is lost
Ain't got no dollar
As previously stated, I still do not have any money
No dollar in my hands
My hands are still void of any currency
Nothing to tell
I have nothing of interest to report
I behaved well
I have behaved responsibly and appropriately
Did all my best
I have given my all
All my best as you said
I've done everything you've asked of me
But now it's time
However, I am ready for a change
To satisfy my mind
I need to do something to make myself happy
Another drink and I will see the sign
I will continue consuming alcohol until I receive a sign or answer about my life
Despite this sweat
Despite my hard work
The time is fast
Time is moving quickly
But very slow, very slow walks the past
The past feels like it is moving very slowly
Let me go wrong
Allow me to make mistakes
Whenever I want
At any time that I choose
Another beer and I will be more strong
I believe that consuming more alcohol will make me stronger or better equipped to handle my problems
No fucking dollar, man
I am extremely frustrated and angry about my lack of money
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio De La Cuesta Manrique, Giovanni Mantineo, Vincenzo Giacalone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sturm
Las leyendas nunca mueren.
Angel de María
Larga vida para el genio melancólico
Mat_gloriosocomunale
Tonino meriteresti molto di piú, nessuno come te sa fare divertire nei concerti.
taologia
Ritmo piacevole da ascoltare.
Carlos Melara
Amazing talented, perfection 😍👏
Maninalto!
Gracias
Realsoundrecording
TONINO, grande artista !!
Maninalto!
Real Sound grande studio di professionisti! <3
Alex Magnani
Bello! Ma dal vivo sarebbe ancora meglio😍
Lucero Volpone
Grande Tonino!!!!!