Behind the Meaning of the Self-Reflective “Lonely Millionaire” by Kacey Musgraves

“Money can’t buy you happiness.” It’s a familiar phrase that has been a guiding light for countless people. Though not everyone will agree with that statement, one person who certainly does is Kacey Musgraves. In her track “Lonely Millionaire,” Musgraves explains her position on that age-old debate. Uncover the meaning behind this track, below.

Videos by American Songwriter

[RELATED: American Songwriter November/December Cover Story: Kacey Musgraves Reflects on Her Life, Sisterhood, and John Prine—“It Can Be Really Intimidating to Put Your Most Intimate Thoughts Out There”]

Behind the Meaning of the Self-Reflective “Lonely Millionaire” by Kacey Musgraves

You can step off a plane into a black car
You can pay ’em to wait
You can wear the gold watch on your wrist
But it won’t give you back the moments you miss

From the outside looking in, it seems like Musgraves has the perfect life. She’s a wildly successful musician, who has no trouble pleasing her fans. Nevertheless, in “Lonely Millionaire,” she explains that not all is as it seems.

Though she is successful, it isn’t what gives her lasting happiness. When I get paid, I wanna spend it on youI’d burn it all to keep you warm, she sings, nodding to the fact that money is no match for her relationship.

When I get paid, I wanna spend it on you
And baby, that’s what it’s for
I’d burn it all to keep you warm

The idea of money not being all it’s cracked up to be is something many musicians have opted to sing about. Given that most mega stars are well acquainted with wealth, it makes this message perfect for them to tout.

Who wants to be a lonely millionaire / Comin’ home, ain’t no one there, Musgraves sings in the chorus. What is money if you have no one in your life to share it with? Though it’s not an issue many of her listeners will be familiar with, the notion that love conquers all is endlessly relatable.

Revisit this track, below.

[RELATED: “This Is So Wrong”: Fan Puts Hands on Kacey Musgraves at Tampa Concert]

Who wants to be a lonely millionaire
Comin’ home, ain’t no one there
That you can talk to in your king-sized bed
Be careful what you wish for, I see it all the time
The money and the diamonds and the things that shine
Can’t buy you true happiness

Yeah, be careful what you wish for, I see it all the time
The money and the diamonds and the things that shine
Can’t buy you true happiness

(Photo by Andy Von Pip/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)