Robert Lamm’s “I’d Rather Be Rich,” the penultimate track on 1980’s Chicago XIV, is a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the perils of making too much money.
We’ve all dreamed about having more money than we knew what to do with, and the guys in Chicago in the ’70s were exactly in that situation. Perhaps thinking back to when they all lived in the same house in Los Angeles and played nearly every night of the week in small clubs, Lamm just admits he prefers his life as it is now.
I’d rather be rich, than what the other choice is
My thumb out to hitch, or riding in Rolls-Royces”
Well, wouldn’t you?
It’s not hard to argue with him! But there’s a downside here: “Money gets you justice, money sets you free,” but “everything’s cool, until you lose your money.”
Chicago was, of course, in danger of losing not only money, but its fan base at this time, so maybe Robert Lamm had this in mind when adding it to the album.
“I’d Rather Be Rich” had been sitting around in the vaults for several years before it made the Chicago XIV album. In fact, a rehearsal version was recorded in September 1975, later appearing on the Rhino re-release of the infamous Chicago X.
This earlier version has more prominent horn lines, Terry Kath’s trademark heavy rhythm guitar, and a tempo change in the middle eight, but also the same unresolved ending. I prefer the Chicago XIV version, but this one isn’t bad at all.
Best wishes to Robert Lamm, who earlier this week was hospitalized briefly with an inner ear infection. Thank goodness it was nothing more serious, but any ear ailment could prove disastrous for a musician if not treated properly. Let’s hope Robert is back on stage soon!
