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. Their version peaked at #41 on the Billboard R&B charts. The song was ranked at number 6 among the top ten "Tracks of the Year" for 1982 by NME.[2]

"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"
Single by the Valentine Brothers
from the album First Take
Released1982
GenreSoul, funk
Length5:52
LabelBridge
Songwriter(s)John Valentine, William Valentine
The Valentine Brothers singles chronology
"Let Me Be Close to You"
(1982)		 "Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"
(1982)		 "Lonely Nights"
(1984)
"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"
UK 7-inch vinyl single
Single by Simply Red
from the album Picture Book
B-side"(Open Up the) Red Box"
ReleasedMay 20, 1985 (UK)[1]
Recorded1984
GenreBlue-eyed soul
Length3:38
LabelElektra
Songwriter(s)John Valentine, William Valentine
Producer(s)Stewart Levine
Simply Red singles chronology
"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"
(1985)		 "Come to My Aid"
(1985)

"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)" was covered by the British pop and soul group Simply Red in 1985 as their debut single. The single went to #13 on the UK charts in July 1985 and #28 on the US Billboard pop chart in 1986. The song was also an international hit, reaching the top 40 in several countries.[3]

The lyrics concern a person with economic problems, and mention 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 television program 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

The Valentine Brothers version
Chart (1982) Peak
position
US R&B[4] 41
UK[5] 73

Simply Red version
Chart (1985) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) 21
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)[6] 17
Canada Top Singles (RPM) 51
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[7] 14
France (SNEP)[6] 29
Ireland (IRMA) 9
Italy (Italian Singles Chart) 4
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[8] 24
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[6] 22
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[6] 8
UK Singles (OCC) 13
US Billboard Hot 100 28
US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard) 2

See also

References
  1. "Simply Red singles".
  2. "Albums and Tracks of the Year". NME. 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  3. Hung, Medien. "SIMPLY RED - MONEY$ TOO TIGHT (TO MENTION) (CHANSON)". lescharts.com. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  4. "The Valentine Brothers Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  5. "VALENTINE BROS - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  6. "SIMPLY RED - MONEY$ TOO TIGHT (TO MENTION)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  7. Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Simply Red". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 235. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  8. "Simply Red – Money$ Too Tight (To Mention)" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
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