Money Tree Blues
Willie Dixon Lyrics


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My baby she's got a money tree
My baby she's got a money tree
If she don't shake for you, she'll surely shake for me

A little money tree, it ain't out in the wood
But every time she shake it
Makes me feel so good
My baby she got a money tree
If she don't shake for you, she'll surely shake for me

Well I'm goin' and get my tree
If it don't bear green
I'll be the meanest man
That you have ever seen
I'll cut the money tree down
Dig up the trunk
Cover up the hole
Burn up the stump
My baby she got a money tree
If she don't shake for you, she'll surely shake for you

I love my money tree
I love my money tree
I love my money tree
For my money
I love my money tree
I love my money tree
For my money

I love my money tree
'Cause my money tree is so good to me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Willie Dixon's song Money Tree Blues speak to the idea that there are some people who just seem to have all the luck and good fortune in the world, and how that can often translate into financial success. The singer of the song is expressing his admiration for his partner, who he says has a "money tree" - some kind of metaphorical representation of her good fortune when it comes to making money. He says that while she might not be willing to share her good luck with everyone, she'll always make sure he gets a share.


As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly obsessed with this idea of the money tree - he talks about going to get his own, and how angry he'll be if it doesn't yield the same results as his partner's. He even threatens to cut it down and destroy it if it doesn't live up to his expectations. Ultimately, though, he's still in love with the money tree - not just for the wealth it can bring, but because it's associated with his partner, who he clearly adores.


The song can be read as a kind of cautionary tale about becoming too focused on financial gain - the singer's increasing obsession with the money tree becomes somewhat manic, and he's willing to destroy something beautiful just because it doesn't meet his expectations. However, it's also a celebration of the power of good fortune - the singer clearly loves his partner, and the fact that she's successful only adds to that affection.


Line by Line Meaning

My baby she's got a money tree
My girlfriend has a knack for making money easily


If she don't shake for you, she'll surely shake for me
She only shares her money-making secrets with me


A little money tree, it ain't out in the wood
The source of her money is not something that can be found in the wilderness


But every time she shake it Makes me feel so good
Seeing her make money brings me satisfaction and happiness


Well I'm goin' and get my tree If it don't bear green I'll be the meanest man That you have ever seen I'll cut the money tree down Dig up the trunk Cover up the hole Burn up the stump
If I am unable to make the same amount of money as her, I will become bitter and resentful towards her success


I love my money tree For my money
I appreciate her money-making abilities because it benefits me financially


I love my money tree 'Cause my money tree is so good to me
I value the power of her money tree because it provides me with financial stability and happiness




Contributed by James R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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