Money is one of those topics that’s hard to avoid in life, but it’s also one of the most subjective topics. Its presence in our lives affects nearly every decision we make, from what to wear to what type of food we eat, there are even board games about money. Even how songs talk about money can be used to relay its importance to society today.
If you’ve ever wanted to find one song that perfectly sums up your feelings about the role money plays in your life, this list is for you.
Ranging from songs about longing for financial stability to those celebrating sudden wealth, these ten tracks capture the full range of emotions that can be invoked by currency.
“Money (That’s What I Want)” – The Flying Lizards
The Flying Lizards’ debut album, released in the 70s, is one of the progenitors of the punk/new wave genre. The album’s lead track is a blistering indictment against the wealth gap in British society.
Money (That’s What I Want) lyrics are delivered with such vitriol that it’s easy to forget this song came out nearly 40 years ago. It is one of the best songs ever written about the benefits of having money.
“Money” – Pink Floyd
Money was originally released as a single in 1973.
The song is a wistful tune about the perils of greed and asks, “Who’s gonna buy our love?” It’s become one of Pink Floyd’s most popular songs and has been covered by various artists since it was first released.
This song is one of those that keeps playing through your head even days after you’ve heard it.
“Money For Nothing” – Dire Straits
You can’t have a list of songs about money without including this 80s classic. Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler was never shy about his disdain for the pursuit of money, and Money For Nothing is a biting indictment of the ‘80s obsession with wealth.
The song’s lyrics are biting, but it is buoyed by Knopfler’s guitar-driven melodies that elevate it to lasting power.
“Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” – Pet Shop Boys
You can’t talk about money in the 80s without mentioning Pet Shop Boys. The pair’s humorous and self-effacing lyrics helped make this song a hit worldwide.
Although it is often regarded as a novelty song, Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) is a scathing critique of the corrupt underbelly of business culture.
The song’s humor makes it one of the better songs to use while brainstorming ideas for making money.
“For the Love of Money” – The O’Jays
The O’Jays have been around for more than four decades and are still one of the best-selling soul groups.
For the Love of Money” tells the story of a young man who succumbs to the lure of money and is swept away by the stream of riches.
This song is one of those that keeps playing through your head even days after you’ve heard it.
“Money Changes Everything” – Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s breakout song is a fantastic anthem for anyone who has been affected by money. This song was the title track of Cyndi Lauper’s debut album and became an instant hit.
The song is a fun listen and one of those you can play on repeat while thinking about wealth.
“Take the Money and Run” – Steve Miller Band
Take the Money and Run” is a song that tells the story of a man who makes a lot of money and realizes he’s wasted his life.
The song was covered by Jimmy Buffett many years later, but Miller’s version is still hard to beat.
“Money, Money” – ABBA
Money, Money” was the third single released by Swedish pop group ABBA. It is one of the best-selling singles and is a catchy tune from the Swedish supergroup.
This song is one of those that keeps playing through your head even days after you’ve heard it.
“Gold Digger” – Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx
Kanye West’s love-hate relationship with money is a popular theme in his music, and Gold Digger” is one of his most famous songs about the pursuit of cash.
In this song, Kanye West berates a woman for her vapid obsession with wealth and material gains. This song is one of Kanye West’s best, filled with playful samples and catchy rhythms.
“She Works Hard For The Money” – Donna Summer
Donna Summer was a powerful force in the disco community and one of the top artists at the time. She Works Hard for the Money” is an anthem of female empowerment.
The song tells the story of a woman who works hard for her money and uses it to take care of her family. It’s one of those that keeps playing through your head even days after you’ve heard it.
“In Da Club” – 50 Cent
One of the most well-known and popular songs about money is “In Da Club.” This song, released in 2003 by rapper 50 Cent, tells the story of a drug dealer who moves from rags to riches. This song is ranked very high on the Simmons’ scale of how much a song talks about money.
The lyrics invite the listener to associate wealth with good and poverty with bad; this is an example of how society uses money to determine worth. The chorus of this song invites the listener to think about what it would be like to be a member of a group that has lots of money.
“Money Honey” – The Drifters
When it comes to songs that deal with money, older ones tend to be more about love and less about wealth. In “Money Honey,” released in 1959, the singer compares his lover to money because of her beauty.
The title implies that this song is not just about a love for one person but also for a love of money. In this song, the singer knows that he’ll never get enough of his lover’s looks, and he claims that money can’t buy them. It is an example of how money is used to have a romantic relationship.
“Mo Money Mo Problems” – The Notorious
Despite being a rap song, “Mo Money Mo Problems” from The Notorious B.I.G. Reggie Wright talks about what he wants money for, rather than how much money he has. The singer discusses his ideal lifestyle and how to keep it; he mentions buying his girlfriend the very best he can afford to make their relationship last forever. The lyrics of this song are straightforward, and they tell the listener that money is what will keep him happy in life.
“Got Money” – Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne, described as the modern-day pioneer of rap, released “Got Money” in 2008. He invites the listener to get as much money as he can and spend it as fast as possible. The lyrics of this song ask the listener to think about how much time somebody can have when they have a lot of things they want to buy and a lot of money they have made. This song invites the listener to consider the quality and quantity of time that he can have if he has lots of money.
“Money Talks” – Rick James
In “Money Talks” by Rick James, released in 1982, the singer explains how getting the correct money will make him successful. He says that if he has enough money in his pocket, he can do everything and go where he wants.
The lyrics of this song suggest that money is important to him because nothing else could get him anywhere. The chorus of this song encourages the listener to think about how he could get more money if he were in a manner that made him successful. It also encourages him to think about how successful he could be if he had lots of money in his pocket.
“Money, Can’t Buy Me, Love” – The Beatles
The Beatles were one of the first groups to address money in their songs explicitly. “Money, Can’t Buy Me Love” from The Beatles was released in 1964 and contains multiple references to money as a means for people to fall in love with each other.
The singer suggests that money can buy something he wants: love. This song encourages the listener to think about using the money to obtain what he wants in life. It also invites him to think about what he would do if he had more significant amounts of money than others.
“Bitch Better Have My Money” – Rihanna
Rihanna is one of the most popular singers today, and her song “Bitch Better Have My Money” was released in 2015. In this song, the singer invokes the persona of a disgruntled and demanding customer who wants to see immediate results; she threatens to leave if she doesn’t get what she wants. The title implies that money can be compared to a relationship in which one person is superior; it also invites the listener to think about how he would like to have more money than others. In addition, it invites the listener to think about how he would feel if he lost a lot of money in a relationship.
“I Don’t Want Your Money” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran released “I didn’t Want Your Money” in 2015. This song encourages the listener to think about spending his money on people and things that are now important to him. It asks the listener to consider what he would do if he had more money than he needs and what it may be like if he lost all of his money. The title implies a fear that money will take away everything good about life, suggesting that the singer does not want other people’s money.
“Money” – Cardi B
Cardi B is a reasonably new singer, but she has already become one of the top hip-hop artists in the music industry. “Money” is her most recent hit, and it was released in 2020. This song encourages the listener to think about how he can use the money to obtain what he wants and obtain more money than others. The title implies that one could use money to eliminate all his problems; money occupies an important place in our society.
“Money Make Her Smile” – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars released “Money Make Her Smile” in 2011. This song suggests that money will make her smile, which she needs in life. The lyrics suggest that she can use the money to obtain something she wants, and the title implies that it will help her feel good about herself. It also invites the listener to consider how he would feel if he lost all of his money or had more of it than other people in the world.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.