Currently based in Athens, Greece, Westerman released his debut album “Your Hero Is Not Dead” in 2020.
In 2023, Westerman released "An Inbuilt Fault". The album was co-produced with producer and percussionist James Krivchenia (Big Thief) and features a number of Los Angeles musicians.
Easy Money
Westerman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody's working harder now
I do doubt
That it all comes back around somehow
This is easy money
It's easy money
So why'd you worry?
Easy money
Treat me nice
Nobody's looking bad up here
Then I ask you polite
So I don't say no and I don't think twice
Why should I worry?
Worry makes you ill
Ornament my body
Cause I like how it makes me feel
This is easy money
It's easy money
(Never enough of it)
Easy money
Worry makes you ill
Stay, still
Now I can have my fill
So I will
Throwing out the pill
Throwing out the pill
Throwing out the pill
That's enough
That's enough
That's enough
This is easy money
It's easy money
Never enough of it
Never enough of it
Easy money
Never enough of it
Never enough
Never enough of it...
The song "Easy Money" by Westerman is an introspective reflection on the darker aspects of our capitalist society. The first verses suggest a certain cynicism towards the idea of the American Dream, as the singer doubts that hard work will necessarily lead to a fair reward. The title "Easy Money" ironically contrasts with the idea of putting in hours of labor, suggesting that some people have the privilege of obtaining wealth without much effort.
The chorus puts forward the question of why one should worry when they are making so much money easily. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how the pursuit of money can sometimes override any sense of morality or personal well-being. In the second verse, the singer continues to justify their pursuit of financial gain by reminding themselves that it is worth it to feel good about their appearance (ornamenting their body). The phrase "stay, still" seems to imply that the singer is trying to suppress any troubling thoughts about the reality of their situation, which is that they are profitting off an unfair system.
The song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, as the repetition of "easy money" is replaced by "never enough of it", which can be interpreted as an acknowledgement that money will never bring true happiness, and that the constant desire for more and more is ultimately futile.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't doubt
I have faith in the fact
Somebody's working harder now
Someone is putting in more effort than me currently
I do doubt
However, I am skeptical
That it all comes back around somehow
That there will be any karmic compensation in the future
This is easy money
Making money through this method is extremely effortless
It's easy money
This method of earning money is not difficult
So why'd you worry?
Why are you concerned when it's so easy?
Nothing but love for it
I only have admiration for this method of earning money
Treat me nice
Be kind to me
Nobody's looking bad up here
No one is making me feel inferior
Then I ask you polite
I politely request
So I don't say no and I don't think twice
So that I don't refuse or hesitate
Why should I worry?
There's no reason for me to be concerned
Worry makes you ill
Thinking negatively can harm your well-being
Ornament my body
Decorate my physical form
Cause I like how it makes me feel
Because it gives me pleasure and satisfaction
Never enough of it
I am always in need of more money
Stay, still
Remain relaxed
Now I can have my fill
Now I can partake in as much as I desire
So I will
Therefore, I shall
Throwing out the pill
Disposing of medication
That's enough
That is sufficient
Never enough
It is never ample
Easy money
A method of acquiring money with little effort
Writer(s): William Anthony Westerman
Contributed by Sophia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@luke8079
You might never be as popular as you deserve to be, but you're all aces in my book, however many you are. No matter where you go, consider me a fan for life. This is gold. Real music here. You're all gold. Keep doing what you're doing and us few will love you.
@letsgogetit77
This is the best song ever , I honestly do think I have the best music taste at 15 years old.
@markb972
The Police and Genesis are definitely influences of his. Love it.
@lndre2428
And a little bit van halen at the begining of the song ;)
@StrangerToEarth
Actually, he's doing really well. Considering he's only released a 3 song EP and a few singles, he's already getting some good buzz. Pitchfork love him, I hear him on Spotify playlists. If he can make an album from some of the breathtakingly beautiful strands he uses on this song, which is his best, he can't fail to be loved. He already has a magical touch and some really sophisticated skill. Westerman, go forth, please.
@Negerzulu
His music is much too good for the average Pitchfork clientel. They will never feel his music regardless how many times they try to push him.
@milanb4504
Love that Andy Summers style guitar sound and that rumbling bass. Nice song.
@valoconic
i somehow found this two years ago and am just now coming back and realised that nobody knows of this song. this is seriously a beautiful song and really deserves a lot more recognition
@RiainMcLegendary
Really reminds me of the 80’s band Freur, especially the song Doot Doot. So good.
@100andynash
When one of my top 20 favourite songs of all time has less than 30,000 views on Youtube <3