The best things in life are free

Meaning

The most valuable joys cannot be bought.

Usage

Reassures people when money is tight.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Title of a 1927 song from the musical Good News, written by B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson.

The 1927 song helped make the saying famous.