About The Song
Released in 1978 on their album “The Statler Brothers”, “We Got Paid By Cash” is one of the Statler Brothers’ most beloved songs, capturing the spirit of working-class life and the pride of earning an honest living. Written by Don Reid, the song mixes country storytelling with a touch of humor, offering a nostalgic reflection on the days when life was simpler and people were paid in cash for their labor.
Lyrically, “We Got Paid By Cash” paints a vivid picture of a man’s life as a hard-working laborer, focusing on the honest satisfaction of receiving money in hand for a day’s work. With lines like “We got paid by cash, at the end of the day, we didn’t have much, but we had it our way”, the song taps into feelings of pride and independence, especially for those who worked hard to earn a living but didn’t always have much to show for it. Yet, it’s the way the song describes the simplicity of that lifestyle—living paycheck to paycheck with a sense of dignity—that gives it its emotional weight.
Musically, “We Got Paid By Cash” features the Statler Brothers’ signature harmonies, paired with traditional country instrumentation like steel guitar and fiddle, which provide a backdrop for the story being told. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody mirror the prideful yet lighthearted tone of the lyrics. The blend of harmonies and instrumentation evokes the nostalgia of a time when the workday was hard, but at the end of it, there was a sense of satisfaction in a job well done.
Though “We Got Paid By Cash” was not released as a single, it quickly became a fan favorite, particularly among audiences who appreciate The Statler Brothers’ ability to tell authentic stories of everyday life. The song’s theme of hard work, resilience, and self-sufficiency resonates with anyone who has ever put in a full day’s labor and taken pride in the simple rewards it brings.
More than 40 years after its release, “We Got Paid By Cash” remains a timeless tribute to the value of hard work and earning a living the honest way. Its message continues to strike a chord with fans who admire the Statler Brothers’ ability to craft songs that reflect real-life experiences with warmth, humor, and sincerity. The song serves as a reminder of the satisfaction that comes with working hard and earning your pay, and the pride that comes from doing so with honor and integrity.