Money's Too Tight (to Mention)

"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)" (sometimes stylized as "Money$ Too Tight (to Mention)" in some of its single and album releases) is a song written and first recorded by The Valentine Brothers, John Valentine and Billy Valentine, and released as a single in 1982.

It was covered by the British pop/soul group Simply Red in 1985. The Valentine Brothers' version peaked at #41 on the Billboard R&B charts, while the Simply Red single went to #13 on the UK charts in 1985 and #28 on the Billboard U.S. pop chart in 1986. It was Simply Red's first UK single. The song was also an international hit, reaching the Top 40 in several countries.^[1]

The lyrics concern a person with economic problems, and mentions Reaganomics, a set of economic policies implemented by U.S. president Ronald Reagan in order to encourage the growth of the American economy. The lyrics include the lines "the old man that's over the hill", and "did the earth move for you, Nancy?" He wants to borrow money, first from his brother who responds,"Brother I'd like to help you but I'm unable to", then to his "Father, Father, almighty Father" who then responds "Money's too tight to mention".

A pastiche of the song was recorded and used as the theme song for the Australian investment TV series Money (1993–2002). Another pastiche was recorded for Bo Selecta in segments featuring Leigh Francis's impression of Hucknall.

Track listings

7" single

1. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) 3:38
2. (Open Up the) Red Box 3:55

12" single

1. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (The Cutback Mix) 8:40
2. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Single Version) 3:38
3. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Dub Version) 6:43

Charts

Simply Red version

References