Songs about money have resonated with audiences since currency first became a concept. Few topics ignite such strong emotions, whether it’s the struggle of having too little, the complexities of having too much, or the myriad of feelings in between. This universal experience has made money an enduring and compelling subject for songwriters across genres and generations. Some view it as the root of all evil, while others see it as the key to freedom and happiness. Whatever your perspective, here’s a curated list of some of the most iconic and thought-provoking songs ever written about money, exploring its multifaceted role in our lives.
Rae Sremmurd album cover featuring two men in sunglasses, representing wealth and fame in music.
The Beatles – Taxman
Released in 1966, The Beatles‘ “Taxman,” primarily penned by George Harrison with lyrical contributions from John Lennon, is a direct protest against the steep progressive tax rates in the UK during that era. Despite their phenomenal success and earnings in the 1960s, Harrison and the band were dismayed to find a significant portion of their income being taxed, pushing them close to potential financial hardship. Harrison expressed his frustration in his autobiography, noting, “‘Taxman’ was when I first realized that even though we had started earning money, we were actually giving most of it away in taxes; it was and still is typical.” The song’s biting lyrics and distinctive guitar riff capture the band’s disillusionment with the financial realities of fame and fortune.
Taxman (Remastered 2009)
Pink Floyd – Money
From their groundbreaking 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s “Money” became an instant classic, even reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track, known for its iconic 7/4 time signature and cash register sound effects, delves into the complexities of wealth and capitalism. Roger Waters, the primary songwriter, revealed his personal conflict with money, stating, “Money interested me enormously. I remember thinking, ‘Well, this is it and I have to decide whether I’m really a socialist or not.’ I’m still keen on a general welfare society, but I became a capitalist. You have to accept it. I remember coveting a Bentley like crazy. The only way to get something like that was through rock or the football pools. I very much wanted all that material stuff.” “Money” explores the allure and corrupting influence of wealth, wrapped in Pink Floyd’s signature progressive rock sound.
AC/DC – Moneytalks
Released in December 1990, “Moneytalks” by the legendary rock band AC/DC was a massive hit, becoming their biggest success since “Back in Black” in 1981 and their highest-charting single to date. This hard-rock anthem celebrates the power and influence of money with its catchy chorus and signature AC/DC energy. Adding a unique visual element to their live performances and UK single artwork, the band introduced “Angus Bucks”—currency bills featuring guitarist Angus Young’s face—which were famously dropped onto audiences during concerts, further emphasizing the song’s theme of financial exuberance.
Pet Shop Boys – Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)
Pet Shop Boys’ 1985 synth-pop hit, “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” from their debut album Please, offers a satirical take on ambition and financial schemes. The song is sung from the perspective of a man pitching a business partnership based on contrasting skills: “I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the looks, let’s make lots of money.” Initially a minor hit, the song gained renewed popularity after being featured in a Super Bowl ad in February 2021, propelling it to No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart. This resurgence highlights the song’s enduring relevance and its ironic commentary on the pursuit of wealth.
Cyndi Lauper – Money Changes Everything
Though originally recorded by rock band The Brains in 1978, Cyndi Lauper’s rendition of “Money Changes Everything” for her debut album, She’s So Unusual (1983), became the definitive version. Released as a single in 1984, Lauper’s powerful vocals and the song’s energetic rock arrangement transformed it into a signature hit. In 2005, she revisited the track with an acoustic version featuring Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring message about the transformative and sometimes corrupting power of money in relationships.
Dire Straits – Money for Nothing
Dire Straits’ iconic hit “Money for Nothing,” released in 1985, cleverly critiques the excesses of 1980s music television and consumerism. Written from the perspective of working-class men watching music videos and commenting on the perceived “easy money” of musicians, the song features a distinctive guitar riff and sarcastic lyrics. Adding to its star power, Sting of The Police provided backing vocals, and the two acts famously performed it together at Live Aid in July 1985. “Money for Nothing” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, becoming one of Dire Straits’ most recognizable and critically acclaimed songs.
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing (Official Music Video)
Hall and Oates – Rich Girl
“Rich Girl,” Hall and Oates’ first No. 1 single in 1977, initially believed to be about Patty Hearst, was actually inspired by someone much closer to home. Daryl Hall revealed that the song was about Victor Walker, the wealthy ex-boyfriend of his then-girlfriend, Sara Allen. Hall recounted to American Songwriter, “‘Rich Girl’ was written about an old boyfriend of Sara [Allen]’s from college that she was still friends with at the time. His name is Victor Walker. He came to our apartment, and he was acting sort of strange. His father was quite rich. I think he was involved with some kind of a fast-food chain. I said, ‘This guy is out of his mind, but he doesn’t have to worry about it because his father’s gonna bail him out of any problems he gets in.’ So I sat down and wrote that chorus. ‘He can rely on the old man’s money / he can rely on the old man’s money / he’s a rich guy.’ I thought that didn’t sound right, so I changed it to ‘Rich Girl.’ He knows the song was written about him.” The song explores themes of privilege and the insulation that wealth can provide.
The O’Jays – For the Love of Money
Released in 1973 by The O’Jays from their album Ship Ahoy, “For the Love of Money” became an enduring soul classic, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The song’s title and central theme are drawn from the biblical verse warning that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” With its iconic wah-wah guitar intro and powerful vocals, the song examines the corrupting influence of money and the relentless pursuit of wealth. Its enduring popularity is further cemented by its use as the theme song for the popular TV show The Apprentice, solidifying its place in popular culture as a cautionary tale about greed.
Ray Charles – Busted
“Busted,” a song about financial hardship, was originally written by Harlan Howard in 1962. Johnny Cash released his version in 1963, but it was Ray Charles’ soulful rendition, also released in 1963, that became widely popular. Charles’ bluesy take on the country tune tells a poignant story of a farmer struggling to make ends meet and provide for his family after facing financial rejection from his brother. “Busted” resonates with listeners through its honest portrayal of poverty and the desperation it can breed.
Patti Smith – Free Money
“Free Money,” a rock anthem co-written by Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye, featured on Smith’s 1975 debut album, Horses, is a song rooted in personal dreams and aspirations. Smith revealed that it was inspired by her mother’s dreams of winning the lottery, telling The Guardian in 2005, “It’s really a song for my mom. She always dreamed about winning the lottery. But she never bought a lottery ticket! She would just imagine if she won, make lists of things she would do with the money – a house by the sea for us kids, then all kinds of charitable things.” The song captures the hopeful fantasy of sudden wealth and the potential for positive change it represents.
Randy Newman – It’s Money That Matters
Randy Newman’s satirical wit shines in “It’s Money That Matters,” from his 1988 album, Land of Dreams. This track became Newman’s unlikely but significant hit, spending two weeks at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and reaching No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Featuring guitar work from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, the song delivers a cynical and humorous take on the pervasive influence of money in society, highlighting its often-overlooked importance in various aspects of life and relationships.
ABBA – Money, Money, Money
ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money,” released in 1976 as the second single from Arrival, explores the desire for wealth as a solution to life’s struggles. The song’s protagonist dreams of a rich man to alleviate her financial burdens, showcasing a longing for a life of luxury and ease. In the film Mamma Mia!, Meryl Streep’s character, Donna, performs the song in the context of trying to save her business. The music video for “Money, Money, Money” was visually inspired by the movie adaptation of the musical Cabaret, adding a theatrical flair to the song’s presentation of financial yearning.
ABBA – Money, Money, Money (Official Music Video)
Billy Joel – Easy Money
“Easy Money,” the opening track of Billy Joel’s 1983 album, An Innocent Man, is a vibrant tribute to soul music legends James Brown and Wilson Pickett. Joel crafted the song in the style of 1960s soul, celebrating the allure of quick and effortless wealth. Fittingly, “Easy Money” also served as the theme song for Rodney Dangerfield’s comedy film of the same name, reinforcing its association with the pursuit of effortless riches and a lighthearted take on financial gain.
Madonna – Material Girl
Madonna’s “Material Girl,” a massive hit from 1984, became synonymous with her early image and exploration of consumer culture. While a catchy pop tune, the song is often interpreted as both a celebration and a critique of materialism. The iconic music video, directly inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” performance in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, further cemented this association. “Material Girl” has remained culturally relevant, appearing in films like Moulin Rouge! and television shows like Stranger Things, illustrating its enduring commentary on the role of materialism in society.
Notorious B.I.G. feat. Puff Daddy and Mase – Mo Money, Mo Problems
Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money, Mo Problems,” featuring Puff Daddy and Mase, released posthumously in 1997, became a defining hip-hop anthem about the paradoxical challenges that come with increased wealth. Sampling and interpolating Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out,” the track explores the idea that more money can lead to more complications and anxieties. It achieved phenomenal success, making Notorious B.I.G. the only artist to have two No. 1 songs after their death, underscoring the song’s powerful message and cultural impact.
Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars – Billionaire
In 2009, Travie McCoy collaborated with Bruno Mars on the aspirational anthem “Billionaire.” The song’s genesis was surprisingly humble; Mars conceived the lyrics during a financially strained work trip. As Mars recounted, “We were like, ‘Is this the biggest mistake we’ve ever made? We thought we were broke in California; what are we going to do here?’ So we’ve got no money, and I’m walking the streets and came up with, ‘I wanna be a billionaire, so frickin’ bad.’” “Billionaire” captures the universal dream of immense wealth and the fantasies of luxury and freedom it represents.
Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – Gold Digger
Kanye West’s “Gold Digger,” featuring Jamie Foxx, released in 2005, is a sharp and humorous commentary on relationships driven by financial motives. Originally intended for Shawnna, the song was passed to West and brilliantly samples Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman” (performed in the sample by Jamie Foxx). “Gold Digger” tells the story from the perspective of someone wary of partners interested in wealth rather than genuine connection. The hit was nominated for Record of the Year at the 2006 Grammy Awards, recognizing its impact and clever social commentary.
The Flying Lizards – Money (That’s What I Want)
British new wave band The Flying Lizards released their minimalist and quirky cover of Barrett Strong’s Motown classic “Money (That’s What I Want)” in 1979. Their rendition, known for its stripped-down instrumentation and detached vocals, offered a unique take on the song’s materialistic message. The band even performed it on BBC’s Top of the Pops, bringing their avant-garde interpretation to a mainstream audience. The Flying Lizards’ version has since gained further recognition through its inclusion in film soundtracks like The Wedding Singer, Charlie’s Angels, and Empire Records, solidifying its place as a cult classic.
The Wu-Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M.
The Wu-Tang Clan’s seminal track “C.R.E.A.M.,” an acronym for “Cash Rules Everything Around Me,” released in 1993, is a raw and influential exploration of street life and the all-consuming pursuit of money. Produced by RZA for their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), it samples The Charmels’ “As Long As I Got You.” While not a chart-topping hit upon release, “C.R.E.A.M.” has become one of the group’s most iconic and influential songs, vividly depicting the realities of poverty, crime, and the desperate desire for financial security in urban America.
Jennifer Lopez – Love Don’t Cost a Thing
Jennifer Lopez’s “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” released in 2000 as the lead single from her second album, is a declarative anthem rejecting materialism in favor of genuine affection. The song, detailing a rejection of a materialistic partner, led to speculation that it was about Lopez’s then-boyfriend, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. Regardless of its specific inspiration, the song resonated widely with its message that true love and emotional connection are more valuable than material wealth. Ironically, Lopez’s personal life mirrored the song’s themes when she famously ended up marrying a backup dancer she met on the set of the music video for this very song.
Puff Daddy & The Family – It’s All About the Benjamins
“It’s All About the Benjamins” by Puff Daddy & The Family, featured on Puff Daddy’s debut album, is an exuberant celebration of wealth and luxury. The original version features Missy Elliott, and a remix included verses from Lil’ Kim and The Notorious B.I.G. Puff Daddy further expanded the song’s appeal with a rap-rock hybrid version featuring Rob Zombie and Dave Grohl, among others, showcasing the track’s crossover potential and its unwavering focus on the allure of money and the “Benjamins” (hundred-dollar bills).
Gwen Stefani – Rich Girl
Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl,” a 2004 collaboration with Eve produced by Dr. Dre, cleverly interpolates “If I Were a Rich Man” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Dr. Dre was instrumental in suggesting the interpolation, which gave the reggae-infused track a unique and unexpected twist. “Rich Girl” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2006. The song plays with the fantasy of wealth and luxury, blending pop, reggae, and hip-hop influences.
Gwen Stefani – Rich Girl (Official Music Video) ft. Eve
Kenny Rogers – The Gambler
Kenny Rogers’ signature song, “The Gambler,” released in 1978, while not explicitly about money, uses gambling as a metaphor for life and financial decisions. Written by Don Schlitz, Rogers’ version became the definitive rendition, despite earlier covers, achieving massive commercial success and reaching No. 1 on country charts. It won Rogers a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980. “The Gambler” offers timeless life lessons framed within the context of a card game, resonating with audiences for its wisdom and storytelling.
Jessie J – Price Tag
Jessie J’s “Price Tag,” released in 2011, directly addresses the overemphasis on money and material possessions in society. The second single from her debut album, it topped charts in the UK and globally with its catchy melody and socially conscious lyrics. Jessie J explained the song’s message: “It’s not me saying that you can live for free, because obviously that isn’t the case. But I’m saying that you don’t always have to let it be about that. It isn’t always about how much your shoes cost. It’s about the fact that you even have a pair of shoes to walk in.” “Price Tag” advocates for valuing experiences and human connection over material wealth.
Loggins and Messina – Danny’s Song
Loggins and Messina’s “Danny’s Song,” released in 1971, is a heartwarming folk-rock ballad about love and family, where financial wealth takes a backseat to emotional riches. Written by Kenny Loggins for his brother Danny upon the birth of his son, the song’s key lyric, “And even though we ain’t got money/I’m so in love with you, honey,” perfectly encapsulates its message. While Loggins and Messina’s version was popular, Anne Murray’s 1972 cover became an even bigger hit, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974, further cementing the song’s status as a beloved classic about love transcending financial status.
Kendrick Lamar – Money Trees
Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees,” a standout track from his critically acclaimed 2012 album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, offers a complex and nuanced perspective on money within the context of his upbringing in Compton, California. Featuring Jay Rock and produced by DJ Dahi, the song vividly portrays the allure and dangers of pursuing wealth in an environment marked by poverty and limited opportunities. “Money Trees” explores themes of ambition, temptation, and the moral compromises one might face in the quest for financial stability and success in challenging circumstances.
Money Trees
Lady Gaga – Money Honey
Lady Gaga’s “Money Honey,” officially released in 2008, delves into the tension between love and materialism with her signature theatrical flair. Initially intended as a Canadian bonus track for The Fame, it was eventually included on the worldwide release due to its strong thematic resonance. “Money Honey” examines the conflict between genuine romantic connection and superficial, financially driven relationships, a recurring theme in Gaga’s early work exploring fame and fortune.
Money Honey
5 Seconds of Summer – Money
Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Money,” released in 2015, presents a more contemporary take on the theme of financial sacrifice for love. From their sophomore album, Sounds Good Feels Good, the song expresses a willingness to give up anything, even money, for a deeply felt romantic connection. Co-written with the Madden brothers of Good Charlotte, “Money” reflects a youthful perspective on priorities, where emotional bonds outweigh material concerns.
50 Cent – I Get Money
50 Cent’s “I Get Money,” released in 2007, is a quintessential hip-hop boast track celebrating financial success and opulence. Featured on his album Curtis, it made Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of 2007 list at No. 14, solidifying its status as a standout hit. The song’s infectious beat and confident lyrics about wealth and power have resonated widely, inspiring numerous remixes and versions by artists like Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Lil’ Kim, and Ludacris, demonstrating its lasting impact and influence within hip-hop culture.
50 Cent – I Get Money (Official Music Video)
Lil Wayne – Money On My Mind
Lil Wayne’s “Money On My Mind,” from his influential 2005 album Tha Carter II, is a straightforward declaration of priorities: wealth and women. Produced by DJ Nasty & LVM and The Runners, Lil Wayne’s lyrics in “Money On My Mind” explicitly state the importance of financial success and romantic pursuits, echoing themes of ambition and materialism prevalent in hip-hop. The song’s title itself is also a nod to Notorious B.I.G.’s “Get Money,” further situating it within a lineage of hip-hop songs focused on financial aspiration.
Money On My Mind
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – 1st of Tha Month
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “1st of tha Month,” released in 1995, provides a snapshot of life in low-income communities and the significance of welfare checks. The first single from their album E. 1999 Eternal, it marked their first Top 20 single and earned a Grammy nomination in 1996. Lyrically, the song depicts the relief and temporary celebration that comes with receiving government assistance at the beginning of each month, offering a glimpse into the cyclical nature of poverty and reliance on social welfare.
Did we miss one of your favorite songs about money? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
