The Best Songs About Money
When I awoke this morning, like a flash of lightening, I thought, “how about writing a post that combines two of everyone’s favorite things – money, and music.” <pats self on back>
I know I’m a jerk for leaving a few of your faves off the list, but one of my criteria was that I had to actually like the song at least a little bit. Don’t agree with the list? Let me know what I missed in the comments.
Here’s the 12 best songs about money. EVER. Rank ordered from #12 to #1, with selected lyrics. And if you’re reading this via RSS or email, there are some YouTube videos embedded. The links in some of the titles lead to Amazon if you’d like to download the .mp3 and hear what you’ve missed (or get nostalgic on what you already know). Drumroll…
12. Taxman – The Beatles
The Verve Pipe (you probably don’t know them, but they are a local favorite of mine) occasionally does a great cover of this song in their live shows.
(if you drive a car, car;) – I’ll tax the street;
(if you try to sit, sit;) – I’ll tax your seat;
(if you get too cold, cold;) – I’ll tax the heat;
(if you take a walk, walk;) – I’ll tax your feet.Now my advice for those who die, (taxman)
Declare the pennies on your eyes. (taxman)
‘Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.
11. It’s All About The Benjamins – Puff Daddy
Honestly, the Weird Al parody – “All About the Pentiums” was the better version. Nevertheless, it makes the list.
Now… what y’all wanna do?
Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers?
Brawlers — who be dippin’ in the Benz wit the spoilers
On the low from the Jake in the Taurus
Tryin’ to get my hands on some Grants like Horace
Yeah livin’ the raw deal, three course meals
Spaghetti, fettuccine, and veal.
10. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
I’m guessing poker is a metaphor for life in this song, however, it’s still a classic.
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em
Know when to walk away and know when to run
You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table
There’ll be time for counting when the dealer’s done
9. Million Dollar Man (WWF) Theme Song – Ted Dibiase
This is for anyone who grew up on WWF. You’re welcome. For everyone else, don’t judge me. The Million Dollar Man (also known as Ted Dibiase) was a wrestler who was known for stirring up all kinds of controversy via buying other wrestlers out with all of his money. He even had a very un-PC arrangement with an African American ‘valet’ named Virgil whom he had bought out.
Money money money money
Everybody’s got a price
Everybody’s gonna pay
‘Cause the Million Dollar Man
Always gets his wayMoney money money money
Some might cost a little
Some might cost a lot
But I’m the million dollar manAnd you WILL be bought *hah hah ha ha*
8. Living For The City – Stevie Wonder
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More about the city than money… but a powerful message about working hard just to scrape by.
His father works some days for fourteen hours
And you can bet he barely makes a dollar
His mother goes to scrub the floor for many
And you’d best believe she hardly gets a pennyLiving just enough, just enough for the city…yeah
7. Eat The Rich – Aerosmith
I like the angst against the rich in this song. However, weren’t the members of Aerosmith filthy rich when they wrote this?
Believe in all the good things
That money just can’t buy
Then you won’t get no bellyache
From eatin’ humble pie
I believe in rags to riches
Your inheritance won’t last
So take your grey poupon my friend
And shove it up your a**
6. Head Like A Hole – Nine Inch Nails
Wow. I immediately started headbanging when I thought of this one.
God money’s not looking for the cure
God money’s not concerned about the sick among the pure
God money let’s go dancing on the backs of the bruised
God money’s not one to choose
5. Can’t Buy me Love – Beatles
Annoyingly addictive chorus.
I’ll give you all I got to give if you say you love me too
I may not have a lot to give, but what I got I’ll give to you
I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love
4. I Wanna Be Rich – Calloway
Such a lame, but great 80’s song, I had to list all the lyrics. Watch the video, or you’re missing out.
Cash cold that’s what I need
These bill collectors they ring my phone
They bother me when I’m not at home
Ain’t go no time to be fooling round
Feet touch the floors and I get on down, you seeChorus:
I want money lots and lots of money
I want the pie in the sky
I want money lots and lots of money
So don’t be asking me whyI wanna be rich oh
I wanna be rich
I wanna be rich oh
I wanna be richFor a little love peace and happiness
I want my cake wanna eat it too
I want the stars and the silver moon
I spend my money of lottery
My favourite number is 1 2 3, you seeChorus
Every-way rich
Love peace and happiness
I want all the things that lovers do
A pocketful of dreams come true
Everything you can not find
Want you by my side?That keep you satisfied and rich
Here is what you gonna do
Say oh I say uh uh
Got to be baby
I just wanna be rich
I just wanna be, just wanna be
Cause babyChorus
Be rich I wanna be rich
I know what I mean baby
Everyday and every-way
Play baby there is lots for everyone
3. Money – Pink Floyd
An essential classic rock song about the allure of money.
Money, get away.
Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay.
Money, its a gas.
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.New car caviar, four star daydream,
Think Ill buy me a football team.
2. Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
Anyone ever heard the unedited version of this? Kind of… inappropriate. And is that Sting singing back-up? Sure is. Nevertheless, the buildup and opening guitar riff always gives me chills.
Now look at them yo-yos, that’s the way you do it
You play the guitar on the mtv
That ain’t workin, that’s the way you do it
Money for nothin’, and chicks for free
1. Satisfied Mind – Jeff Buckley
If you’re not familiar with Jeff Buckley, you should be. This song was actually the first dance song at my wedding. So it had to be number one. Wish I could hear the chorus of “awwwwws” from the ladies.
Money can’t buy back all your youth when you’re old
A friend when you’re lonely, or peace for your soul
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
Best Money Songs Discussion:
Let’s hear your picks!
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