My favorite love songs all have a frugal theme and a bottom-line impact with this message: We don't have to spend a fortune on Valentine's Day or any other day to show appreciation, love and respect for the significant people in our lives. Here's my playlist of love songs with a frugal theme:
Your Song by Elton John. I have loved this song since I was in Junior High School during the 1970s.
Key Lyrics:
"I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you
--Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Bottom Line Impact: Forget the diamonds; just write me a song and mean it.
Just the Way You Are by Bill Joel. Okay, I am not a major Billy Joel fan, but these lyrics strike a chord with me. Here's why: Back in the day, I was the type of chick who would spend a fortune trying to be perfect for my dates. If they wanted me to stand on my head, I would sign up for gymnastics lessons.
In fact, I would be very, very wealthy now if I had saved all of the money I used to spend on hair, makeup, clothes and nails. I altered my appearance so much that I stopped recognizing myself in the mirror. But this Billy Joel song helped me to realize that I just needed to be accepted "as-is." (Or to accept myself as-is!) Thank You, Billy Joel!
Key Lyrics:
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
Bottom Line Impact: Cancel the extreme makeover appointments. Take back the new clothes and invest the money. Just be yourself and have fun.
There's Hope by India Arie. This song just makes me happy.
Key Lyrics:
It doesn’t cost a thing to smile
You don’t have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that
Bottom Line Impact: India Arie says it all: "It ain’t about the size of your car..."
Reality Check: Of course, money matters A LOT in a relationship. It's a real downer when there's not enough to pay the rent, purchase health care insurance or save for a rainy day. But beyond the basics, many of us get carried away with stupid stuff like cars, diamonds and other status symbols. Once the bills are covered, life is too short to stress out about metal, crystals and cloth.
Other favorites from my playlist: Any song by Anita Baker, Tracy Chapman, Sade, The Four Tops and The Gap Band. I love Sarah by Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks). I listen to music for free at Imeem.com.
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Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of The Frugal Duchess of South Beach: How to Live Well and Save Money... Anywhere!, which will be published in June of 2008 by DPL Press.
1 comment:
I enjoyed reading your favorite frugal lyrics. Good stuff. I will need to add "Your Song" by Elton John to Lyrical Wisdom.
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