Our 10 Best Songs About Money looks at some of the best releases about cash, which some have described as a necessary evil. Before we delve into the best songs about money, let us answer this simple question; what comes to your mind when you hear the word money? Security, power, freedom, validation, prestige, and success may be. Everyone has their preconceived thought(s) about money, which forms the basis of the diverse message top songs about money try to communicate.
The conversation about money will never fade away! After all, everything we desire, will at some point need funding; and that’s where the money comes in. From the moment you wake up, it is all about money! The water you utilize, breakfast you take, clothes you wear, gas for your car, fast food you grab for lunch, that gym subscription, the expenses that await you all demand money. Just lucky we are that the air we breathe cost not a single dollar!
It all doesn’t end up in expenditures alone! Such conversations about money happen in the mind where everyone wishes that they had whatever amount of money to help them do this or that! However, others have already seen the big transformation and now praise money for everything they can do with their fortune. And don’t shy from thinking about the dark side of money since this is a huge and indispensable topic that most rarely talk about.
We can barely exhaust all the thoughts about money! Similarly, more songs about money will continue to be released each day. Popular songs about money have probably touched on relatable perspectives. Here are some of the musical gems that tell a thing or two about money.
#10- “If In Money We Trust” by Van Morrison
Opening our top 10 songs about money is the contemplative ballad “If In Money We Trust” by legendary rock artist Van Morrison. The State of Florida and the United States of America have one thing in common; their motto, “In God We Trust.” However, with money proving to be more of a necessity and a must-have commodity for life to progress seamlessly, some have bestowed trust not in God but money now. Van Morrison believes that all we need is enough money but not in excessive amounts. However, many have pushed their limits showcasing greed and obsession with money. Is it worth it?
#9- “Easy Money” by Billy Joel
“Easy Money” by Billy Joel is featured on the album An Innocent Man (1983). Who hates getting easy money? After all, if it is clean money that won’t warrant an arrest, then why not? Many will buy that lottery ticket or visit the casino to try luck in taking home a fortune not worked “hard” for. This song was penned from the perspective of a gambler and was adopted as the theme song for the comedy film Easy Money. The song pays tribute to R&B pioneers Wilson Pickett and James Brown.
#8- “If I Had $1,000,000” by Barenaked Ladies
What would you do with a million dollars? Back in the 1990s, when Barenaked Ladies released “If I Had $1,000,000,” that kind of money was huge (still huge even now). The song finds the Barenaked Ladies hinting at romantic intentions while mentioning all the things they could purchase. A car, a house, furniture, an exotic pet, and some nice piece of art are some of the things this Canadian musical group mentioned that a million dollars would help purchase. Among them all in their list that caught my eye was love. Can money buy love? This remains an apple of discord to date but probably “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles has an answer.
#7- “Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar
There is a reason why Kendrick Lamar has been regarded as one of the sharpest minds in the hip-hop scene. His awe-inspiring songs that leave you in a contemplative mode is one reason. Kendrick Lamar is not a financial advisor, but his song “Money Trees” will give you quite a lecture about wealth. Growing from a poor background and rising to fame, Kendrick Lamar has captured some important lessons that many might need to know. The song shows how he moved from the harsh street life and poverty to striking a fortune through hard work in the music industry. Remember, money doesn’t grow on trees!
#6- “Money Changes Everything” by Cyndi Lauper
In our top 10 songs about friendship, we encountered Cyndi Lauper with her song “True Colors.” The gifted singer also features on our top 10 songs about money with her hit “Money Changes Everything.” However, this song is not her original release but a cover to The Brains’ version. “Money Changes Everything” alludes to how money interferes or transforms how people relate with each other. Her version peaked at number twenty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
#5- “Got Money” by Lil Wayne ft. T-Pain
Lil Wayne has tasted the rewards of fame on the mic, amassing quite a fortune for himself. He makes it clear in this flossy hip hop song which he features T-Pain. The song finds Lil Wayne flaunting his wealth in the lyrics and attracting attention from ladies at parties. And more money is what Lil Wayne got with this song. Enough proof for this is the lawsuit that producers Play-N-Skillz filed against him for owing them more than a million in unpaid royalties for “Got Money.”
#4- “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
When The Beatles released “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” the song received critical acclaim placing even more pressure on the band to release another hit. The Beatles didn’t disappoint having them release a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Money can do many things for you, but The Beatles make it clear that it can’t buy you true love. The song was soon covered by the jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald whose version became popular too.
#3 – “She Works Hard for The Money” by Donna Summer
While having fun at the 1983 Grammy Awards’ after party, Donna Summer didn’t know she would get inspired to pen one of her best songs of all time. “She Works Hard for The Money” came after Donna met an attendant at the hotel taking a nap in the bathroom. The attendant woke up, and in their short conversation, she told Donna Summer that she was worn out since she works two jobs to raise enough money for her upkeep. The song would later become a tribute to all women who work hard to maintain their lives and families.
#2 – “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
The British rock band Dire Straits barely knew that “Money for Nothing” would become their most successful hit of all time. “Money for Nothing” came to be after the band’s songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler listened to the sentiments of a man who complained about artists who emerged in the ‘80s. The man felt that music made by these artists didn’t match riches they amassed. This guy might have seen what the future would become, having most of the artists in the industry currently releasing songs just to secure the bag (make money) as some critics have put across!
#1- “Moneytalks” by AC/DC
AC/DC is one of the most successful bands of all time. Would the band members allow fame to get in their head? When the band released the hit “Moneytalks,” its members showed little regard to fortunes and expensive lifestyles. Don’t let the chorus fool you with its salute to money. Listen to the song’s verses, and you will see AC/DC take a dig at those who boast of their wealth. As if that was not enough, the band showed us how money could be a divisive thing. This song explains why the band stayed grounded even though it was one of the most successful acts in its primes. “Moneytalks” peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100.
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