Money's too tight to mention

I used this to introduce the idea of money - we went on to look at living without money.

(Note: Reaganomics was a word coined to describe a type of economical strategies used during the Reagan years (US 1980's). At the end when they are ad libbing Nancy is a reference to Ronald Reagan's wife - you may want to stop before it gets to  this part!)

Money’s too tight to mention – Simply Red

They said “son looks like bad luck got a hold on you”

I been laid off from work my rent is due

So I went to the bank to see what they could do

My kids all need brand new shoes

Money’s too tight to mention
I can’t get an unemployment extension
Money’s too tight to mention

So called on my father, father

Almighty father, he said

He said brother I’d like to help but I’m unable to

I went to my brother to see what he could do

Money’s too tight to mention
Oh money money money money
Money’s too tight to mention
I can’t even qualify for my pension

They’re passing all kinds of bills

Oh lord down in the congress

We’re talking ’bout Reaganomics

From up there on capitol hill, we’ve tried it

Money’s too tight to mention.

Cutbacks!
Money’s too tight to mention

Oh money,  money, money, money

We’re talking ’bout money, money (repeat x 7)

And that old man who’s over the hill

Now what are we all to do

When money’s got a hold on you

We’re talking ’bout the dollar bill

Money’s too tight to mention

Oh money, money, money, money (Ad lib to end)

Worksheet here

Ka-Ching - Shania Twain

 I used this song top introduce the idea of money with my teens, there are several useful money collocations. There are words taken out and a mix of the chorus :)

Ka Ching – Shania Twain

We live in a greedy little ..........
That teaches every little boy and ..........
To earn as much as they can ..........
Then turn around and
Spend it ..........
We've created us a credit card ..........
We spend the money that we don't ..........
Our religion is to go and blow it ..........
So it's shoppin' every Sunday at the ..........

chorus

Can you hear it ring

With lots of money and things

A lot more than we had before

It makes you wanna sing

Lots of diamond rings

So take me to the nearest store

It's such a beautiful thing - ka-ching

The happiness it brings

You'll live like a king

All we ever want is more

When you're broke go and get a ..........
Take out another mortgage on your ..........
Consolidate so you can ..........
To go and spend some more when
You get ..........

chorus

Let's swing
Dig deeper in your pocket
Oh, yeah, ha
Come on I know you've got it
Dig deeper in your wallet
Oh

Chorus to end

girl

home

mess

all

possess

bored

foolishly

afford

world

possibly

mall

loan

Worksheets here