Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent

Gwen Guthrie was basically telling brothas in that song to hand over the cash. Check the lyrics out! I just really peeped ’em today and never really paid attention. Guess I was too busy jamming to the song (it’s catchy as hell!). The precursor to songs like Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills”*, Guthrie makes it plain:

Boy, you’re silky ways are sweet
But you’re only wastin’ time if your pockets are empty
I’ve got lots of love to give
But I will have to avoid you if you’re unemployed

Now I must say that the song is pretty extreme but there IS something to it all. Not so much the “what are you gonna do for me/put some money in my hands” part. But just the idea that expecting your significant other (SO) to have a J-O-B is not asking for much at all.

As I’ve mentioned, I was working with homeless clients this summer. I got about three marriage proposals/inquiries. Probably because I have 4 walls and a roof, but I’d like to think it was also because of my stunning smile and charming personality. Anyway, one guy who was really sweet said something like, “oh, you wouldn’t want a guy like me anyway. You probably want somebody young and rich and with a house.” I responded, “well, no, he doesn’t have to be rich.” Implying that yes, a place to live and younger than my grandpa would be preferable. I was serious about the rich part, though. You don’t have to be rolling in the dough to be my man, but you damn sure better have a job (all of this doesn’t count for people who had a job and got laid off or are unemployed due to circumstances beyond their control like an injury or some shit).

I’m not trying to be supported. I’m not trying to get rich off of a man. HOWEVER, I have become accustomed to certain things. See, I grew up not having much and yeah, I know how to get by on very little. I don’t want to, though. I don’t have to. That’s why I’ve been going to school all of these years and trying to put myself into a position where I can do the things that I want to do without being hindered too much by the cost. If I’m going to be in a relationship with someone, he’s going to have to meet me at that level.