Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Man With Money” is one of the Everly Brothers’ lively and cheeky mid-1960s tracks, released in 1965 on their album Beat & Soul. Unlike the tender ballads and earnest love songs that defined much of their earlier success, this song is playful, energetic, and a little tongue-in-cheek. It tells the story of a man who believes that wealth is the ticket to winning a woman’s heart, delivered with humor and the Everlys’ trademark harmonies. While not one of their chart-topping hits, “Man With Money” highlights their willingness to experiment with contemporary pop-rock sounds while keeping their unique vocal blend at the forefront.
Origins of the Song
By the mid-1960s, The Everly Brothers were in a period of transition. Their massive popularity of the late 1950s had been challenged by the British Invasion, with groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones dominating charts. Ironically, these very groups often cited the Everlys as major influences. To remain relevant, Don and Phil shifted toward more upbeat and modern material, blending R&B, soul, and rock elements into their music.
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“Man With Money” reflects this experimental spirit. It carried the rhythmic drive and humor of contemporary R&B-influenced pop, but it was still grounded in the Everly Brothers’ skill for blending voices seamlessly.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “Man With Money”
The Everly Brothers released “Man With Money” as part of their effort to adapt to the changing musical landscape. The track’s humorous premise and upbeat tempo helped them connect with the mid-1960s pop audience that increasingly leaned toward songs with wit and energy.
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It also gave them a chance to show their versatility. By tackling a playful theme like money and romance, they moved away from strictly romantic balladry and into more satirical territory. This broadened their image as artists who could entertain with both sincerity and humor.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
At its core, “Man With Money” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on love, attraction, and materialism.
Key themes include:
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Material Temptation: The song suggests, half-seriously, that having money makes someone more attractive in love.
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Satire and Humor: The lyrics exaggerate the idea to playful effect, poking fun at society’s tendency to equate wealth with desirability.
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Romantic Rivalry: The song reflects the narrator’s confidence—or perhaps insecurity—about his chances with the object of his affection.
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Timeless Commentary: Even decades later, the theme remains relevant in discussions of love, money, and power.
The track’s charm comes from its lighthearted treatment of what could be a serious subject.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
The Everly Brothers’ recording of “Man With Money” is energetic and rhythm-driven, reflecting the mid-1960s pop-rock trends.
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Vocals: Don and Phil deliver their harmonies with a mix of swagger and humor, giving the song a playful edge.
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Instrumentation: A driving rhythm section with guitar, bass, and drums creates a lively backdrop. The arrangement leans toward rock and R&B fusion, with a crisp beat that keeps the energy high.
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Mood: Fun, cheeky, and spirited.
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Style: A pop-rock number infused with soul and R&B influences, demonstrating the Everlys’ adaptability.
The production keeps the vocals prominent, ensuring that their harmonies remain the centerpiece despite the upbeat instrumentation.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “Man With Money” did not chart as a major single, but it became a memorable part of the Beat & Soul album. That record showed the Everly Brothers experimenting with covers and new material that leaned into the R&B and soul-influenced pop that was popular at the time.
Culturally, the song gained renewed attention when The Who recorded their own version in 1966. This connection reinforced the Everly Brothers’ influence on the next generation of rock musicians, even when their own commercial fortunes were less dominant.
Legacy of “Man With Money”
Today, “Man With Money” is remembered as one of the Everly Brothers’ more playful and underrated tracks. It may not rank among their timeless classics, but it demonstrates their versatility and their ability to have fun with contemporary trends.
For the Everly Brothers’ legacy, the track underscores their role as innovators who influenced countless artists. Even when not at the top of the charts, their music continued to inspire peers and future generations.
More broadly, “Man With Money” stands as a witty reflection on love and materialism. Its humor and energy keep it fresh, reminding listeners that the Everly Brothers were not only masters of emotional ballads but also skilled entertainers who could inject levity into their music.
Decades later, the song remains a hidden gem in their catalog—a reminder of their adaptability, their influence, and their enduring ability to make even lighthearted material memorable through harmony and charm.