Story Behind The Song

Our daughter was going to be a summer missionary and we went shopping for skirts for her. The lady who ran the shop ended up donating all Teri's clothes. I think that is how this song was born.

Song Description

A little girl overcomes her feelings of "poorness" by being grateful for the great deals her mom gets on clothes. Learns that the most important things are on the inside of a person, not the outside.

Lyrics

I saw my friend Felicia at my school the other day.
She wore a pretty outfit and she took the time to say:
"Mommy took me to the mall with Mastercard, and hey!
We spent the whole day shopping and we've got a year to pay."

I chuckled and I smiled and I tried to be polite.
"It's positively stunning and your colors are so bright.
I'm sure you got a bargain even though you bought it new.
I don't suppose you want to know what Mommy and I do."

CHORUS:
Mommy shops at thrift stores; Mommy gets 'em used.
Mommy hardly ever buys me anything that's new.
Stoppin' at garage sales and flea markets, too.
Why spend fifty dollars when just fifty cents will do?

We try to pinch our pennies and our nickels and our dimes.
Dad says that's the way to make it through the toughest times.
He says he doesn't care if there's a label on my blouse.
He says that it's the beauty on the inside of me that counts.
(So why should I care if...)

CHORUS

Then I started thinkin' 'bout the flowers and the birds.
They always look so pretty and they never say a word.
God takes such good care of them; their food and clothes are free.
I guess that I can trust how He provides for you and me.
(So why be ashamed if your...)

FINAL CHORUS
Mommy shops at thrift stores; Mommy gets 'em used.
Mommy hardly ever buys me anything that's new.
Stoppin' at garage sales and flea markets, too.
Why spend fifty dollars when just fifty cents will do?
Why spend fifty dollars when just fifty cents will do?
Why spend fifty dollars....when just fifty cents will do?