The Undertones' song "Fairly in the Money Now" tells the story of a musician named Tommy who always believed he would make it big one day. He formed a band called "Tommy Tate and the Torpedoes" with some friends and started performing their own songs. They quickly gained popularity and became the talk of high school dances, impressing everyone with their stylish suits and killer performances. As their fame grew, so did their financial success. The band started making a lot of money, leading them to indulge in lavish lifestyles and spending it on their girlfriends. The mention of Howard Hughes missing a turn implies that they were spending money carelessly, much like the famous billionaire aviator had done at some point. However, as their popularity and financial success continued, they became more focused on meeting their manager's demands and lost their passion for making music. They all acquired ranches, perhaps symbolizing a desire for a life of luxury and comfort. Despite the fame and money, there is a sense of disillusionment in the lyrics. The band's songs are described as indifferent, reflecting the idea that they may have lost touch with their artistic integrity in their pursuit of commercial success. However, Tommy remains determined to keep pushing forward with his Torpedoes, even though they may be just plodding along. Overall, "Fairly in the Money Now" portrays the rise and fall of a band that achieved fame and fortune but may have lost sight of their true passion for music along the way.
