Money On My Mind

Sam Smith's 'Money On My Mind' is a candid reflection on the artist's relationship with fame and the music industry. The lyrics express Smith's determination to prioritize passion and love for music over financial gain. The opening lines immediately set the tone, revealing the pressure Smith felt upon signing a record deal and the desire to stay true to personal values rather than succumbing to the industry's focus on commercial success.

The chorus is a powerful and repetitive affirmation that Smith's motivation is not financial but rather driven by love for the craft. This mantra-like repetition emphasizes the importance of this message both to the artist and as the central theme of the song. The lyrics also touch upon the struggle to maintain artistic integrity in an industry that often views music as a commodity, with references to resisting being treated like a 'puppet' and the desire to 'keep it moving' without losing sight of what's important.

The song's bridge, with its mention of the setting sun and the reassurance that comes with it, suggests a sense of peace and resolution. It's a reminder that at the end of the day, what matters to Smith is not the financial aspect of making music but the joy and love that it brings. This sentiment is a common theme in the arts, where the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity is often a source of internal and external conflict.