“Money can’t buy you happiness.” It’s a familiar phrase that has been a guiding light for countless people. Though not everyone will agree with that statement, one person who certainly does is Kacey Musgraves. In her track “Lonely Millionaire,” Musgraves explains her position on that age-old debate. Uncover the meaning behind this track, below.
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Behind the Meaning of the Self-Reflective “Lonely Millionaire” by Kacey Musgraves
You can step off a plane into a black car
You can pay ’em to wait
You can wear the gold watch on your wrist
But it won’t give you back the moments you miss
From the outside looking in, it seems like Musgraves has the perfect life. She’s a wildly successful musician, who has no trouble pleasing her fans. Nevertheless, in “Lonely Millionaire,” she explains that not all is as it seems.
Though she is successful, it isn’t what gives her lasting happiness. When I get paid, I wanna spend it on you…I’d burn it all to keep you warm, she sings, nodding to the fact that money is no match for her relationship.
When I get paid, I wanna spend it on you
And baby, that’s what it’s for
I’d burn it all to keep you warm
The idea of money not being all it’s cracked up to be is something many musicians have opted to sing about. Given that most mega stars are well acquainted with wealth, it makes this message perfect for them to tout.
Who wants to be a lonely millionaire / Comin’ home, ain’t no one there, Musgraves sings in the chorus. What is money if you have no one in your life to share it with? Though it’s not an issue many of her listeners will be familiar with, the notion that love conquers all is endlessly relatable.
Revisit this track, below.
[RELATED: “This Is So Wrong”: Fan Puts Hands on Kacey Musgraves at Tampa Concert]
Who wants to be a lonely millionaire
Comin’ home, ain’t no one there
That you can talk to in your king-sized bed
Be careful what you wish for, I see it all the time
The money and the diamonds and the things that shine
Can’t buy you true happiness
Yeah, be careful what you wish for, I see it all the time
The money and the diamonds and the things that shine
Can’t buy you true happiness
(Photo by Andy Von Pip/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
More Behind The Song
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Left to right: Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, of British heavy rock group Led Zeppelin, performing at Earl's Court, London, May 1975. The band were initially booked to play three nights at the venue, from 23rd to 25th May, but due to public demand, two more concerts were later added, for 17th and 18th May. Total ticket sales were 85,000. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -

LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 22: 31st Annual Grammy Awards. Broadcast February 22, 1989. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. Pictured accepting award is Bobby McFerrin. His song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. Also Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)






