Live Within Your Means

 
I won’t be trying to keep up with the Joneses
I don’t have that type of lusting or wanting
Nope, I won’t fall for that subliminal jonesing
That sort of spending can be very daunting

Every single day we’re bombarded with ads
Buy this, get that, it will make you feel better
Don’t have the cash for it? Then charge it!
Until you’re an insolvent near bankrupt debtor

In the meantime, those who are living the dream
Like to show how wonderful life can be
While the average mode lives beyond their means
Thinking if they have it they can be just as happy

And once they attain it, then what comes next?
Somehow it doesn’t really fulfill the void
But when the bill comes due nerves are wrecked
And the collectors are folks they can’t avoid

I’ll be honest, I think it’s a rat race really
Financial bondage has a special kind of malice
Who are they catering to, those who can’t afford?
Because the expensive brands can give you status?

Be diligent, know how and when to treat yourself
Don’t give in to impulses or feed others’ greed
But the most important rule of thumb of it all is…
Know the difference between want and need

No, I won’t be trying to keep up with the Joneses
I don’t have that kind of status, money or capacity
As I get older I’m slowly turning into a minimalist
Because if I die tomorrow, I don’t take anything with me