Song meaning of And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out) by Mandy Patinkin

"And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)" from the musical "Evita" by Andrew Lloyd Webber is a satirical and cynical commentary on the rise and fall of Eva Perón, the iconic First Lady of Argentina. The song is performed by the character Che, who serves as a narrator and critic of Eva's actions and legacy. Through the lyrics, we see how Eva manipulates the masses and uses her charity foundation, the Foundation Eva Perón, to amass wealth and power.

The opening lines, "And the money kept rolling in from every side, Eva's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide," highlight Eva's ability to attract donations and support from the people. The repetition of "rolling, rolling, rolling" in the chorus emphasizes the continuous flow of money into Eva's foundation, painting a picture of excess and extravagance.

As the song progresses, Che questions the true intentions behind Eva's charity work, suggesting that some of the funds may have gone astray. However, he dismisses this as irrelevant, stating, "But that's not the point, my friends, when the money keeps rolling out, you don't keep books." This reflects the idea that the ends justify the means in Eva's quest for power and adoration.

The lyrics also touch on Eva's personal gain from the Foundation, with lines like, "If the money keeps rolling in, what's a girl to do? Cream a little off the top for expenses—wouldn't you?" This highlights Eva's opportunistic nature and her willingness to exploit her position for personal benefit.

Overall, "And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)" serves as a scathing critique of the cult of personality and corruption that surrounded Eva Perón during her time as First Lady of Argentina. The song exposes the darker side of Eva's philanthropic efforts and sheds light on the complexities of her legacy.