I have come to enjoy these posts as I decipher what some of the artists in today’s music world are saying about money and how they can influence younger generations to either spend or save their hard earned money. Kanye West is the next artist that his lyrics will be dissected to see if his message is positive or negative. The song is called: “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” from the album titled, Graduation released in 2007.
What did Mr. Kanye Say?
Verse 1
I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven
When I awoke I spent that on a necklace
I told God I’d be back in a second
Man, it’s so hard not to act reckless
Verse 2
Bought more jewelry, more Louis V
My momma couldn’t get through to me
OK let’s break this down and decipher what the message is in a financial aspect. He wants to have more money to buy anything he desires, he then goes on to state he spent it all on a necklace, but then he regrets the purchase. This is an example of classic buyer’s remorse feelings. The Chorus in my opinion is the most confusing message to listeners, “Wait till I get my money right” is repeated over and over. But he continues to talk about splurging on Louis V and jewelry. The only mature person is Kanye’s mother who as he states was attempting to help him save those bucks. Did he take her advice? I doubt it.
I actually like the song as it is catchy and makes me think of money. But the message is clearly not good for the audience as he is reckless with the negative uses of monetary instruments AKA Dollars. He clearly has major dilemmas in his life, as he wants to be successful while doing things right but then struggles to keep his mind focused. As he repeats in each verse how he spent rampant amounts of dollars possibly down at Canal Street. LOL. In any event Mr. West can definitely afford to spend a few bucks as he is worth about $90 million dollars.
When you try hard is when you die hard. This is the only good advice within the song’s lyrics that can actually motivate others to achieve a better work ethic. Hard work never turned out bad for me because the effort given equals the best results achieved. Even if I didn’t get paid to do something, in the end I either learned something new, or I felt a sense of pride by helping others. What can you do to give back in your own capacity? Maybe you have extra time in your week where you can teach somebody a skill you possess. Maybe you can ask someone you care about if they need help in any way?
Financial influence is everywhere and sometimes it is delivered mostly in a negative context! He gets 1 point for 1 positive reference.
Better yourself and strive for a new mentality of preserving what you have and growing it every day.
Update: Kanye West has an estimated Net Worth of about 90 million and growing. On that figure if invested in an account or business earning at least 4% he makes $ 3.6 million a year just in interest. See this link: Kanye for more detailed information regarding his Net worth and other business dealings. Given the fact that he is now a more business oriented person when this song came out he had a different mind frame. So the song is based on his financial references to money back when it was released and it may not pertain to how he feels about money now. Kanye is involved in several foundations that benefit our society as reported by the press.
Pic taken at Tribecca Film Festival: DS
