Legal Tender
The B-52s, The B-52's
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We're in the basement, learning to print All of it's hot! 10, 20, 30 million ready to be spent We're stackin' 'em against the wall Those gangster presidents Livin' simple and trying to get by But honey, prices have shot through the sky So I fixed up the basement with What I was a-workin' with Stocked it full of jelly jars And heavy equipment We're in the basement... 10, 20, 30 million dollars Ready to be spent Walk into the bank, try to pass that trash Teller sees and says
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Written by: ROBERT WALDROP, CATHERINE ELIZABETH PIERSON, FREDERICK WILLIAM III SCHNEIDER, KEITH STRICKLAND, CYNTHIA LEIGH WILSON, RICKY HELTON WILSON
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., SENTRIC MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release and Ranking"Legal Tender" is a song by The B-52's from their album "Whammy!" which was released in 1983. It was the first single released from the album.
- It reached number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
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Music GenreLike many other tracks by The B-52's, "Legal Tender" is categorized as New Wave, a genre that became very popular during the late 70s and the early 80s. The genre blends elements of punk rock and pop music, often incorporating synthesizers.
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The Song's MessageThe song's lyrics convey a story about counterfeit money printing. The expression "Legal Tender" is a term used in law to describe money that is recognized by the court system to be valid for meeting financial obligations.
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Group MembersThe group members involved in the song were Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. Keith Strickland, the group's drummer transitioned to guitar for the "Whammy!" album after the death of original guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Legal Tender" reflected the counterfeit narrative, with the band members engaging in illicit money printing activity in amusing, cartoon-like fashion.
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Song's Influence"Legal Tender" is considered a classic track and has been performed in many of The B-52's live concerts. It contributed to the band’s reputation as a pioneering New Wave group.
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Remix VersionThe song has a remix version called "Illegal Tender" which is featured in the "Party Mix!" album by The B-52's. It combines songs from their earlier albums into mixed dance tracks.
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Record Label"Legal Tender" was released under the Warner Bros. Recording label. This company supported The B-52's during a significant portion of their career.
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ProducerSteven Stanley, a producer known for his work with Tom Tom Club and Talking Heads, produced "Legal Tender" among other tracks on the "Whammy!" album.
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Songwriting CreditsThe song was written by all the five members of the band; Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Ricky Wilson, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson.
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Citation
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