The Meaning Behind The Song: Free Money by Patti Smith
| Title | Artist | Writer/ Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Money | Patti Smith | Patti Smith & Lenny Kaye | Horses | December 13, 1975 | Rock, Art Rock, Punk Rock | John Cale |
The song “Free Money” by Patti Smith is a powerful and heartfelt track from her iconic album, Horses released in 1975. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and delve into the personal experiences that shape its lyrics.
Patti Smith has always maintained a strong connection to her working-class roots. Growing up poor, she experienced the hardships and struggles that come with financial difficulties. In her memoir Just Kids, she vividly describes her family losing their home and her mother closing the blinds to hide from debt collectors. These experiences served as inspiration for “Free Money.”
“Horses’s fourth song, ‘Free Money,’ was inspired by growing up poor. ‘It’s really a song for my mom. She always dreamed about winning the lottery. But she never bought a lottery ticket! She would just imagine if she won, make lists of things she would do with the money – a house by the sea for us kids, then all kinds of charitable things.’” – Patti Smith
In the song, Smith captures her mother’s dreams of financial freedom and the desire to provide a better life for her children. The lyrics paint a picture of a person yearning for a way to escape their financial struggles and find a sense of security and happiness.
The opening lines, “Every night before I go to sleep, find a ticket, win a lottery,” symbolize the fantasies and hopes for a better life. The image of scooping pearls up from the sea and cashing them in to buy all the things needed suggests the desire to fulfill not just material needs but also emotional ones.
The refrain, “Oh, baby, it would mean so much to me, to buy you all the things you need for free,” emphasizes the selflessness and love behind these dreams. It showcases the deep connection between a parent and a child, where the ultimate goal is to provide for their needs without any financial constraints.
The bridge of the song takes the listener on a journey through different landscapes and showcases the wide range of possibilities that financial freedom can bring. From a jet plane soaring through the sky to hot Arabian deserts and cool fields of snow, the lyrics reveal the limitless dreams one can have when financial burdens are lifted.
The chorus repeats the line “when we dream it, let’s dream it, we’ll dream it for free, free money” with an increasing intensity. It serves as a call to action, urging the listener to embrace their dreams without the constraints of money and to believe in the power of imagination.
Personally, “Free Money” resonates with me on many levels. It reminds me of my own experiences growing up in a modest household and the dreams my parents had for me. Like Smith’s mother, my parents never let financial constraints hinder their aspirations for my future.
I remember how my father would talk about the things he wished he could provide for our family if money was never an issue. He would imagine building a comfortable home, taking us on vacations to far-off destinations, and ensuring that we had access to the best education.
While these dreams may not have become a reality in the way he envisioned, his unwavering belief in the power of dreams and the potential for a better future left a lasting impact on me. It taught me the value of having aspirations and working towards them, even when faced with financial limitations.
“Free Money” is not just a song about material wealth; it is a celebration of the resilience and determination that stems from challenging economic circumstances. It speaks to the universal desire for a life free from financial worries and the belief that dreams can serve as a powerful driving force towards a brighter future.
In conclusion, “Free Money” by Patti Smith is a deeply heartfelt song that explores the yearning for financial freedom and the love between a parent and child. It serves as a reminder that dreams can transcend the boundaries set by money and that our aspirations have the power to shape our lives.
