Introduction:
The year is 1965. America is experiencing a cultural and economic boom. However, for many working-class folks, the workweek could be a long and grueling affair. That’s where the joyous, celebratory country tune “I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night” by George Jones and Gene Pitney comes in. Released in 1965, the song became an instant hit, capturing the spirit of working-class liberation and the simple pleasures of a hard-earned weekend.
George Jones, already a rising star in the country music scene by the mid-1960s, was known for his powerful, expressive vocals and his ability to convey heartache and hardship. Gene Pitney, on the other hand, was a successful pop singer who occasionally dabbled in country music. The pairing of these two seemingly disparate artists on “I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night” proved to be a masterstroke.
The song’s producer, Billy Sherrill, was a key figure in shaping the sound of Nashville country music in the 1960s and 1970s. Sherrill’s production style, characterized by a prominent rhythm section and a polished sheen, is evident on “I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night”. However, the song never loses its core country identity, thanks to the twangy guitars and the unmistakable vocals of Jones and Pitney.
“I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night” tells the story of a working man who has just finished a long week of labor. With a mere five dollars in his pocket, he’s ready to let loose and enjoy his weekend. The lyrics speak of the simple pleasures he anticipates: music, dancing, and maybe even a little romance. The song also acknowledges the reality of the workweek, but it does so with a sense of optimism and a resolute belief that a good time awaits.
“I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night” resonated deeply with working-class audiences. The song became a staple of honky-tonks and jukeboxes across America. It wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was an anthem that celebrated the resilience and spirit of the everyday worker. While the song itself didn’t achieve chart-topping success, it has become a beloved classic in the country music canon.
The success of “I’ve Got Five Dollars And It’s Saturday Night” further solidified George Jones‘s status as a country music legend. The song also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together two seemingly different artists to create a timeless piece of Americana.
Video:
Lyrics:
(Hey)
Well, I’ve been a-working hard the whole week long
And I’m a-gonna have some wine, women and song
I gotta work next week but that’s alright
I’ve got five dollars and it’s Saturday night.
A music and dancin’, flirtin’ and fun
It’s gonna go on until way past one
I’m a-gonna go where the lights are bright
I’ve got five dollars and it’s Saturday night.
I’m gonna have fun tonight
Gonna get right tonight
Everything will be alright
‘Cause tonight is Saturday night. (hey.)
Well, other folks worry what the future may bring
I’m gonna have fun and not worry about a thing
My pants are ragged but that’s alright
I’ve got five dollars and it’s Saturday night.
A-music and dancin’, flirtin’ and fun
It’s gonna go on until way past one
I’m a gonna go where the lights are bright
I’ve got five dollars and it’s Saturday night.
Gonna have fun tonight
Gonna get right tonight
Everything will be alright
Tonight is Saturday night. (hey.)
Let other folks worry what the future may bring
I’m gonna have fun and not worry about a thing
My pants are ragged but that’s alright
I’ve got five dollars and it’s Saturday night..