Over the years, the lineup of the band changed a number of times. The one constant member besides Garcia himself was bassist John Kahn. Melvin Seals had the next longest tenure, serving as keyboardist from 1980 onward. Seals became band leader following Garcia's death and changed the band's name to JGB.
Jerry Garcia's musical interests were famously varied, and this was reflected in the diverse music played by his band. Like the Grateful Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band played rock music that was influenced by blues, folk, country, and jazz. The band also played rhythm and blues and reggae songs, and rock versions of American roots music. Jerry Garcia notably covered many songs by Bob Dylan with the Jerry Garcia Band. Like the Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band emphasized musical improvisation, and helped create what is now known as jam band music.
During Garcia's lifetime, the Jerry Garcia Band released one studio album, Cats Under the Stars, and one live album, Jerry Garcia Band. Several more live albums were released posthumously.
Money Honey
the jerry garcia band Lyrics
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I let it ring for a long long spell
Well I went to the window, peeped through the blinds
Asked him to tell me what was on his mind
He said
Money honey
Money honey
If you want to get along with me
I asked ? was so hard pressed
I called the woman that I love best
Find my baby 'bout half past three
Said I'd like to know what you want with me
He said
Money honey
Money honey
Money honey
If you want to get along with me
? said what's wrong with you
Just hang on our romance is through
Said, tell me baby face to face
How could another man take my place?
He said
Money honey
Money honey
Money honey
If you want to get along with me
I learned my lesson and now I know
The sun is shining the women they go
Women may come, women may go
But nobody say I love them so
He said
Money honey
Money honey
Money honey
If you want to get along with me
If you want to get along with me
If you want to get along with me
The lyrics to "Money Honey" by the Jerry Garcia Band depict a conversation between the singer and their landlord, who seems to be pressuring them for money. The landlord's persistent knocking at the front door indicates that the singer is behind on their rent. The singer chooses to ignore the knocking, letting it "ring for a long long spell," avoiding confrontation with the landlord. Instead, they go to the window and peer through the blinds to get a sense of what the landlord wants. Curious, they ask the landlord directly to explain the purpose of their visit.
The landlord's response is straightforward and unambiguous: "Money honey, if you want to get along with me." Here, the landlord is emphasizing that the singer's financial situation is directly tied to their relationship with him. If they want to maintain a harmonious relationship, they need to pay up. In the second verse, the singer is further compelled to address their financial troubles by reaching out to the woman they love and asking for assistance. However, the result is disheartening as she tells them their romantic relationship is over.
The landlord's statement, "Tell me baby face to face, how could another man take my place?" indicates that the landlord is not just concerned about the overdue rent but also jealous of the singer's romantic involvement with someone else. The song takes a reflective turn in the last verse as the singer learns a lesson from their experiences. They recognize that while relationships may come and go, no one else will express the same love and affection as them. The singer concludes that money might bring temporary happiness, but genuine love and connection hold true value.
Line by Line Meaning
You know my landlord rang my front door bell
My landlord came to my house and rang the doorbell
I let it ring for a long long spell
I intentionally ignored the doorbell for a long period of time
Well I went to the window, peeped through the blinds
I looked through the blinds of the window to see who was there
Asked him to tell me what was on his mind
I requested my landlord to share his thoughts and concerns with me
He said
My landlord responded
Money honey
Money is important, honey
If you want to get along with me
If you want to have a harmonious relationship with me
I asked ? was so hard pressed
I asked the person who was troubling me so much
I called the woman that I love best
I contacted the woman I love the most
Find my baby 'bout half past three
I found my sweetheart around three-thirty
Said I'd like to know what you want with me
I expressed my curiosity about what she desired from me
He said
The person replied
Money honey
Money is essential, honey
If you want to get along with me
If you want to have a harmonious relationship with me
? said what's wrong with you
The person asked what was bothering me
Just hang on our romance is through
Our romantic relationship is over, just accept it
Said, tell me baby face to face
Tell me directly, in person, my dear
How could another man take my place?
How could someone else replace me in your affection?
He said
The person responded
Money honey
Money is vital, honey
If you want to get along with me
If you want to have a harmonious relationship with me
I learned my lesson and now I know
I gained wisdom from my experiences and I understand now
The sun is shining the women they go
The sun is shining and women come and go
Women may come, women may go
Women may enter and exit my life
But nobody say I love them so
But nobody declares their love for them like I do
He said
The person replied
Money honey
Money is crucial, honey
If you want to get along with me
If you want to have a harmonious relationship with me
If you want to get along with me
If you want to have a harmonious relationship with me
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Jesse Stone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind