Pieces of Eight
Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung
It's six o'clock
Good morning sounds are everywhere
The warmth of spring, a gentle breeze blows through my hair
I hurry through my life never stopping to see
How beautiful it was meant to be
I'm just a prisoner in a king's disguise
Broken dreams as we shuffle by
It's six o'clock it's quitting time I'm done for the day
Out on the streets I overheard a lady say
We now have everything or so people say
But now this emptiness haunts me every day
We seek the lion's share never knowing why
Come alive spread your wings and fly
Pieces of eight
The search for the money tree
Don't cash your freedoms in for gold
Pieces of eight
Can't buy you everything
Don't let it turn your heart to stone
![]()
Interpretation
Money can't buy happiness. We live in a money-obsessed society, and too much money too fast can "turn your heart to stone" if you let it.

Here's what Dennis said during a January 14, 1991 interview with In The Studio:
Pieces of Eight was my way of saying that all this good fortune had come to me, but the most important thing was still making music, and it wasn't about making cash.
Notice: This is an unofficial web site. Many lyrics have been transcribed by ear and may contain inaccuracies. All lyrics are the sole property of the indicated authors and are included here simply to enhance the enjoyment of the music for both old and new fans and as a forum for discussion of the meaning of the songs. Any attempts to use these lyrics for any non-educational purpose is both unethical and illegal. If you like a song, buy the album. If you want to record or perform a song, contact the author of the song for permission and to arrange appropriate royalties.