About The Song
In the annals of country music, few names resonate with the same enduring charm and influence as Lefty Frizzell. A true pioneer of the genre, Frizzell’s distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics captured the essence of the American experience, earning him a place among the country music pantheon. Among his many indelible contributions to the genre, one song stands out as a timeless masterpiece: “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time”.
Released in 1950, “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” marked a turning point in Frizzell’s career, propelling him to national stardom and cementing his status as a country music icon. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with listeners, becoming an instant anthem for those seeking solace and escape in the vibrant honky-tonk scene of the era.
At its core, “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” is a celebration of good times, camaraderie, and the simple pleasures of life. The song’s narrator, a carefree spirit with a penchant for a good time, extends an open invitation to anyone seeking to join him in the revelry. With a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin, he beckons listeners to cast aside their worries and embrace the moment, declaring, “If you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time. Well, go honky-tonkin’ and we’ll have a time.”
Frizzell’s masterful delivery imbues the song with an irresistible charm. His voice, rich and emotive, effortlessly conveys the joy and exuberance of the lyrics. He effortlessly shifts from playful banter to heartfelt sincerity, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the listener. As the song progresses, Frizzell’s vocals soar, taking the listener on a whirlwind tour of honky-tonk revelry, where music, laughter, and companionship reign supreme.
“If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a snapshot of a bygone era, a time when country music served as a soundtrack for life’s joys and sorrows. Frizzell’s song captures the essence of this spirit, reminding us of the simple pleasures that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its timeless appeal. “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” has been covered by countless artists across genres, each adding their own interpretation to Frizzell’s classic. From the soulful renditions of blues legends to the electrifying rockabilly takes, the song has transcended its country roots to become a beloved staple of American music.
“If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” stands as a beacon of country music’s rich heritage, a reminder of the power of music to transport us to another time and place, to evoke emotions that lie deep within our souls. Lefty Frizzell’s masterpiece is an invitation to let go of our worries, embrace the moment, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. So, put on your dancing shoes, gather your friends, and let the music take you on a journey to honky-tonk heaven, where “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time”.
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Lyric
If you’ve got the money, I’ve got the timeWe’ll go honky tonkin’ and we’ll have a timeWe’ll make all the night spots, dance, drink beer and wineIf you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the timeThere ain’t no use to tarry, so let’s start out tonightWe’ll spread joy, oh boy, oh boy, and we’ll spread it rightWe’ll have more fun, baby, all the way down the lineIf you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the timeIf you’ve got the money, I’ve got the timeWe’ll go honky tonkin’ and we’ll have a timeBring along your Cadillac, leave m’old wreck behindIf you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the timeYes, we’ll go honky tonkin’, make every club in townWe’ll go to the park where it’s dark, we won’t fool aroundBut if you run short of money, I’ll run short of time‘Cause you with no more money, honey, I’ve no more timeIf you’ve got the money, I’ve got the timeWe’ll go honky tonkin’ and we’ll have a timeWe’ll make all the night spots, dance, drink beer and wineIf you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time