Lyrics
A Satisfied Mind
Written by J. H. "Red" Hayes & Jack Rhodes
How many times have you heard someone say,
"If I had his money, I could do things my way."
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in Ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was winning in fortune and fame;
Everything that I dreamed of to get a start in lifes game.
But suddenly it happened, I lost every dime,
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonesome or a love that's grown cold;
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When life is over, my time has run out,
My friends and my loved ones I'll leave, there's no doubt.
But one thing for certain, when it comes my time,
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
A Satisfied Mind contrasts financial success with the quieter wealth of contentment. The narrator remembers fortune and fame, then describes losing every dime without losing the settled outlook that makes life rich. Youth, friendship, and love cannot be purchased, so the song measures abundance by gratitude and inward peace rather than possessions. Its closing reflection on death gives that contrast lasting weight.
The theme closely parallels biblical warnings about restless desire for wealth. The song does not dismiss material needs, but it places money below relationships, peace, and a contented spirit. That perspective is especially close to the teaching that godliness with contentment is great gain. By repeating the title phrase after each comparison, the lyric presents satisfaction as a form of wealth that survives both prosperity and loss.
Related Scripture
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Paul describes godliness with contentment as great gain and warns against measuring life by possessions.
- Hebrews 13:5 The verse urges freedom from the love of money and contentment with what is present.