- A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts-0.mp3
- A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts-0.mp4
- A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts-I.mp3
- A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts-I.mp4
- A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts-space-prelude.mp3
[Intro]
A penny for your thoughts
(If they can be bought)
Such a wise sage
(Wisdom comes with age)
[Verse 1]
A modest monetary value
I offer to you
For your point of view
Some worth is due
[Chorus]
A penny for your thoughts
(If they can be bought)
Such a wise sage
(Wisdom comes with age)
[Bridge]
As for my two cents
(It came and went)
Does it make sense
(Once it’s spent)
[Verse 2]
Ante up to join the game
Life will never be the same
Once you begin….
By joining in
[Chorus]
A penny for your thoughts
(If they can be bought)
Such a wise sage
(Wisdom comes with age)
[Bridge]
As for my two cents
(It came and went)
Does it make sense
(Once it’s spent)
[Chorus]
A penny for your thoughts
(If they can be bought)
Such a wise sage
(Wisdom comes with age)
[Bridge]
As for my two cents
(It came and went)
Does it make sense
(Once it’s spent)
[Outro]
Are your two cents…
Making sense
ABOUT THE SONG
The phrases “a penny for your thoughts” and “my two cents” both relate to the value of opinions or contributions, though their origins and meanings differ slightly. Here’s an explanation of each:
“A Penny for Your Thoughts”
- Meaning:
This phrase is a polite way of asking someone what they are thinking, especially if they appear lost in thought. - Origin:
- First recorded in print in 1522 by Sir Thomas More in his book Four Last Things. He wrote:
“As it often happeth, a penny for your thoughts.” - In the 16th century, a penny was a small but tangible sum, making it a fitting metaphor for offering something modest in exchange for someone’s private thoughts.
- The phrase reflects the notion that ideas, while invaluable, are worth soliciting even for a small price.
- First recorded in print in 1522 by Sir Thomas More in his book Four Last Things. He wrote:
“My Two Cents”
- Meaning:
This phrase is used to offer one’s opinion, often humbly or self-deprecatingly, as if saying, “Here’s my modest contribution to the conversation.” - Origin:
- It likely derives from the older English idiom “a penny for your thoughts” and the phrase “to put in one’s two pennies’ worth”, which appeared in the 19th century.
- The Americanized version, “my two cents”, became common in the 20th century.
- The idea may also be linked to “anteing up” in poker, where a small contribution (a penny or two) is required to join the game.
Connection Between the Phrases
- Both phrases reflect the modest monetary value of a penny or two, making them symbolic of small contributions, whether it’s an opinion (“two cents”) or thoughts sought from someone else (“penny for your thoughts”).
- The shift in value emphasizes the humility in offering an opinion or requesting someone else’s insights, rather than assigning literal worth.
Modern Usage
- “A penny for your thoughts” remains a direct inquiry about someone’s thoughts.
- “My two cents” is more conversational and often precedes an opinion offered in casual or even humorous contexts.
These phrases have endured because they encapsulate the value of communication in a relatable and universally understood way.