I have always loved this song, and have always wondered about its inspiration. I have never found Ian Thomas’ own account in print or videos, and I have never been able to attend a concert of his, during which he might have told the story behind the song. I’m sad that this is one of the songs you were unable to annotate, but thanks very much for spotlighting it on your blog!
Hi James,
I hope you don’t find this reply too scandalous, but I believe the song was inspired by hookers in Toronto back in the 1970s! That was the general conscensus of disc jockeys back then, anyway. Streetcars (a unique Toronto mode of transportation) are mentioned, and the notion also fits with the title of the song and the lyrics, “they took my money like I knew they would!” A most excellent song about city life, by one of Canada’s most acclaimed artists.
-ClaudetteInToronto
I have always loved this song, and have always wondered about its inspiration. I have never found Ian Thomas’ own account in print or videos, and I have never been able to attend a concert of his, during which he might have told the story behind the song. I’m sad that this is one of the songs you were unable to annotate, but thanks very much for spotlighting it on your blog!
Hi James,
I hope you don’t find this reply too scandalous, but I believe the song was inspired by hookers in Toronto back in the 1970s! That was the general conscensus of disc jockeys back then, anyway. Streetcars (a unique Toronto mode of transportation) are mentioned, and the notion also fits with the title of the song and the lyrics, “they took my money like I knew they would!” A most excellent song about city life, by one of Canada’s most acclaimed artists.
-ClaudetteInToronto