The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
How many times have you heard someone say
If I had money, I'd do things my way,
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
A friend, when you're lonely, or peace to your soul.
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When my life is over and my time has run out.
My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt.
But, one thing's gone for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
Satisfied mind.
If I had money, I'd do things my way,
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
A friend, when you're lonely, or peace to your soul.
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When my life is over and my time has run out.
My friends and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt.
But, one thing's gone for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
Satisfied mind.
Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery
Satisfied Mind Lyrics as written by Jack Rhodes Red Hays
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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the first time i heard this song it made me very remorseful. he wrote a song about being simply happy in whatever you do and they end up playing at his own funeral. there is a great sense of symbolism in that situation. like this song proved that he knew he was happy doing what he was doing. its a shame he had to leave so soon...
Beautiful song, although I wonder if Jeff Buckley really left this old world with a satisfied mind? But the message is clear - although we all may be born into entrirely different circumstances, we all have the chance to choose personal happiness.
This song is an old country standard, not a Jeff Buckley tune. It is poignant to listen, though, in light of his passing.
This song was important in the life of Jeff Buckley as he played it at his father Tim's funeral, and blew the gathering away with the feeling and ability of his performance. This led him to being signed up by Columbia (i think it was columbia?) and led us to hearing the amazing album which is Grace
Did Jeff Wrtie The Song???
Porter Wagoner wrote the song, it's been covered by everyone from The Byrds to Ben Harper.. You can hear the original on that Dale Earnhardt ESPN movie when they're doing a flashback scene with Dale as a kid.
I have to believe Jeff Buckley's mind was extremely satisfied. You always want more, but he must have been satisfied, he sure lived like it.
did'nt his dad die when he was like 8?? I did'nt think he was signed up then at such a young age
this song is the only song that made me cry and still does sometimes.. its amazing..
ah jeff, what can i say. the most incredible singer, songwriter, performer. everything. my heart breaks when i know i'll never see him live
Most of the country versions of the song aren't that great if you're not into country. This version takes some of the country guitar phrasing while still keeping with the style he exhibited in his solo shows and is all the better because of it. Lyrically, it's a simple piece, a retread of old themes, but in light of the situation in which the song was released (aside from the live show itself where only a relatively small amount of people was present), it's rather powerful.