“Take The Money And Run” is a classic rock song written by Steve Miller and released in 1976. The song tells the story of two young lovers who commit a robbery and flee to Mexico to escape the law. The lyrics are catchy and memorable, making it a popular song for sing-alongs and karaoke nights.
The song begins with the famous opening line, “This here’s a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue.” Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue are the two young lovers who decide to rob a bank after they “grew tired of that easy living.” The lyrics describe how they take the money and run, driving down to Mexico in a stolen car.
The chorus of the song is one of its most memorable parts, with the repeated line, “Go on take the money and run.” The lyrics describe how Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue are on the run, with the law hot on their trail. They hide out in a hotel in Mexico, but eventually, the law catches up with them.
The Lyrics
Here are the full lyrics for “Take The Money And Run”:
This here’s a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue
Two young lovers with nothin’ better to do
Than sit around the house, get high, and watch the tube
And here is what happened when they decided to cut loose
They headed down to, ooh, old El Paso
That’s where they ran into a great big hassle
Billy Joe shot a man while robbing his castle
Bobbie Sue took the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Billy Mack is a detective down in Texas
You know he knows just exactly what the facts is
He ain’t gonna let those two escape justice
He makes his livin’ off of the people’s taxes
Bobbie Sue, whoa, whoa, she slipped away
Billy Joe caught up to her the very next day
They got the money, hey
You know they got away
They headed down south and they’re still running today
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
Go on take the money and run
The Meaning
The meaning of “Take The Money And Run” is open to interpretation, but many people see it as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making bad decisions. Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue are young and reckless, and they decide to rob a bank on a whim. They think they can escape to Mexico and live happily ever after, but the law eventually catches up with them.
The song can also be seen as a commentary on the American dream and the idea of getting rich quick. Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue are trying to achieve financial independence by robbing a bank, but their plan ultimately fails. The song suggests that there are no shortcuts to success and that hard work and perseverance are the keys to achieving one’s goals.
The Legacy
“Take The Money And Run” remains one of Steve Miller’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years. The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “The Simpsons” and “Dazed and Confused.”
The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a classic rock staple, and it continues to be played on radio stations around the world. “Take The Money And Run” is a testament to Steve Miller’s songwriting talent and his ability to create timeless rock anthems.
Conclusion
“Take The Money And Run” is a classic rock song that tells the story of two young lovers who rob a bank and flee to Mexico. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and it continues to be played on radio stations around the world. The song’s meaning is open to interpretation, but it is often seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making bad decisions. Overall, “Take The Money And Run” is a timeless rock anthem that has stood the test of time.
