Make That Money (Scrooge’s Song) (Zipper Catches Skin, 1982)

‘Zipper Catches Skin‘ is Alice’s fourteenth studio album. Released in 1982, it combines hard rock and punk into a forceful album driven by comical sarcasm. However, like most Alice albums, it still has bits and pieces of ‘do this, not that’ flavor and appeal. Considered a low point in the discography by some, Alice told Hit Parader in March 1983, “There are no clichés on this album, and I did that for a specific reason. Rock and roll right now is jammed with clichés.” Of course, he was correct. The album is anything but cliché. Tracks like “Tag, You’re It”, “I Better Be Good”, and “I’m Alive (That Was the Day My Dead Pet Returned to Save My Life)” highlight the record, but with no central theme or meaning – the album tends to be overlooked.

“Make That Money (Scrooge’s Song)” is a tale of generational greed and power passed down from Father to Son. With a groove much like that of “The Black Widow” from the album ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’, this song paints the mindset of those ruled by the acquisition of money and financial authority. With lines like, “controlling all your cash, I could make you live in trash, I eat pheasant, you eat hash”, we see the thoughts behind a generational curse. Devouring their human brethren with the evil desire to amass more than anyone else. Willing to take it all, leaving nothing behind for the betterment of a world in need. Taking a deeper look, we better understand why the ‘love’ of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

Let’s start off by clearly stating that wealth does NOT make one evil or an enemy to the Christian faith or Christ. In fact, the Bible speaks with high regard about many individuals that had large fortunes and many possessions, but you also find these same individuals giving generously to others and preserving the dignity of the poor by providing them with opportunities for work. However, the Bible is clear about the love of money. It makes a person never satisfied with what they have (Ecclesiastes 5:10) nor fully allows a person to trust our Lord with their every need (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus, himself, addressed this concern and told parables about the foolishness of the rich and selfish. Let’s look at two of those.

In Luke 12:13-21, Christ tells the story of a man blessed with land that yields great crop. In fact, his barns aren’t big enough to store all of his harvest. The man then asks himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my harvests’ (Verse 17). His remedy is not to share or enrich the lives of those around him, but instead to build bigger barns so that he may have ‘plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry’ (Verse 19). Long story, short – the man dies entering eternity empty-handed. This parable is thought provoking to say the very least. Our Lord is challenging us to think beyond the goals of this world and to use what we’ve been given for God’s kingdom and purposes. Accumulating wealth only to enrich oneself, with no concern for helping others, is a grave mistake (pun intended). The ‘good life’ has nothing to do with the things and possessions of this world (Hebrews 13:5). Although, we are constantly being told, you need this or you must have that. The truth is, happiness isn’t purchased. It’s found within a loving relationship with Christ and by doing His work (Romans 14:17-18).

Another parable, found in Luke 16:19-31, reveals the story of two different men, Lazarus (a leprous beggar) and a rich man. Lazarus, covered with sores, dwells outside the gates of the rich man’s home. The parable goes on to show both Lazarus and the rich man dead in eternity. Lazarus is carried up to Heaven and stands next to Abraham’s side (Verse 22) while the rich man descends to Hades (Verse 23). The rich man, seeing Lazarus in Heaven, pleads with Abraham – asking for him to allow Lazarus to quench his thirst – but Abraham reminds him of his life on earth filled with the ‘good things’ as opposed to where he is now (Verses 23-25). The parable goes on to show that there are ‘no second chances’ – nothing allowing us to cross over from Heaven to Hell and vice versa, and there is no way to warn or communicate with others about how they should live differently (Verses 26-28). We have ample ways to know and understand God’s Word before our death. But that requires us to place our value in things unseen not the assets of this life (2 Corinthians 4:18). Also, during this time period, the Pharisees considered a person’s wealth as something linked to their righteousness. Jesus stumped them by showing that Lazarus’s reward in Heaven was greater than that of the rich man – who ultimately inherited eternal damnation. Ultimately, He taught them that the amount of money and/or wealth isn’t the goal – it’s instead what you do to help and support others with your blessings. It’s a matter of the heart not the pocketbook. One last tidbit from this parable, notice how the rich man is nameless yet Lazarus, the leper, is named. Interesting how God calls those that are His by name, yet doesn’t even give a name to those that work against Him (Philippians 4:3).

Relating these two parables to the song, let’s look at the lyrics and a few key points and verses that link them together:

In the first parable, Jesus warns of greed and the hardheartedness that comes with it. The song paints that same picture, noting that, “I’m financially grand and perfectly greedy” then mockingly adding “Sentimental fools, I make all your rules” as well. Is this not the same attitude found in Luke 12:13-21? With no intention to better their fellow man, both the song and the parable provide a cautionary tale of what a hardened heart looks like (Psalms 62:10). Instead of boasting about your wealth and how you can spend your riches, look instead towards investing in God’s kingdom (Proverbs 16:8). Aim at being faithful to Him and those around you, serving Him and those around you, and obeying His Word while creating a better place for humanity in the process (Proverbs 22:9).

The second parable, much like the song, alludes to greed being a family trait or ‘generational curse’. The song finds the boy being told by his father to “make that money run like honey” and “learn to sting before your stung”. While not much is said about the rich man’s family in Christ’s parable, we do know that the man wanted God to send Lazarus back to warn his five brothers of the torment he faced in Hades for his selfish life on earth. Therefore, it seems as if his family must be closely akin in thinking as to the way he was with regard to money and greed. It’s true, our parents and families have a certain amount of sway over our thinking – especially in our youth. However, the void left without God in our hearts cannot be ignored forever and is not a generational curse. Our Lord wants all humanity to come to the realization of His presence and being (1 Timothy 2:4). However, this requires some to walk away from their earthly desires, possessions, and lifestyles (including old money from within the confines of a family) in order to obtain His freedom (Matthew 19:21).

Concluding this week’s post, where do you stand? Are you all about the Benjamins? Does the thought of more money and earthly possessions take up the majority of your time and thought? This isn’t meant to be a scolding post about what you have, how you spend your money, or anything of that nature. It’s instead aimed at accessing what’s been given to you! Given to you freely (1 Peter 4:10). His Word and Salvation through Christ are gifts from our Father. However, know that asking Him to redirect your mind and way of thinking usually leads to a new financial approach. One that has you looking for ways to give rather than receive. But what you learn rather quickly is how much more you receive through giving (Acts 20:35).