How to Make It in America Theme Song

2010-present

Another HBO original you should check out, especially if you like Shannyn Sossamon.

Alright, proper titles, and proper, proper theme song on this one. The opening theme for How to Make It in America is a song entitled “I Need a Dollar” (quite obvious, isn’t it?). It is by American soul and hip hop singer Aloe Blacc (yes, that’s his name). Mr. Blacc has actually been around for quite some time now, but I think this is his biggest claim to fame. Excellent song though. (But why does it feel like a cover to me?).

Song is actually credited to the following composers: Leon Michels, Nathaniel Hawkins, Nick Movshon, and Jeff Dynamite. And, it is part of Aloe Blacc’s 2010 release (and secold full-length) Good Things.

The full/album version of the song lasts 4:04. Here is the direct (and legal) download link.

Below is the official video of “I Need a Dollar”.

And the lyrics (full version).

How to Make It in America theme song lyrics

I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
And I said I need dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me

Bad times are comin’ and I reap what I don’t sow
(Hey hey)
Well let me tell you somthin’ all that glitters ain’t gold
(Hey hey)
It’s been a long old trouble long old troublesome road
And I’m looking for somebody come and help me carry this load

I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
Well I don’t know if I’m walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is falling down
And all I want is for someone to help me

I had a job but the boss man let me go
(He said)
I’m sorry but I won’t be needing your help no more
(I said)
Please mister boss man I need this job more than you know
But he gave me my last paycheck and he sent me on out the door

Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Said I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
And I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
Well i don’t know if I’m walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is crumbling down
And all I want is for someone to help me

What in the world am I gonna do tomorrow
Is there someone whose dollar that I can borrow
Who can help me take away my sorrow
Maybe it’s inside the bottle
(Maybe it’s inside the bottle)
I had some good old buddy his names is whiskey and wine
(Hey hey)
And for my good old buddy i spent my last dime
(Hey hey)
My wine is good to me it helps me pass the time
and my good old buddy whiskey keeps me warmer than the sunshine
(Hey hey)
Your mama may have, bless the child that’s got his own
(Hey hey)
if god has plans for me i hope it ain’t written in stone
(Hey hey)
because I’ve been working working myself down to the bone
and i swear on grandpa’s grave I’ll be paid when i come home
(Hey hey)

Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Said need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need hey hey
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me
go ahead share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar give me your dollar
share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me

Below is another music-only video of the song because the official video transitions into this weird song/scene.

And finally, below is the official opening sequence.

That’s about it!