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Modern music covers every subject under the sun, but some things are sung about more than most. Along with countless tunes about love, sex, and good times, money has inspired countless musical hits. Everyone is affected by money, and it’s often used as a metaphor to reflect on dreams, emotions, relationships, and culture. In this article, we present 20 of the best songs about money of all time. From innocent ’60s pop songs to naughty ’90s hip-hop and contemporary pop, money is a compelling and universal theme that connects us all.
The following 20 money songs are a worthy addition to any playlist:
The 20 Most Iconic Songs About Money
The following 20 tracks are all about money and the influence it has in modern society. We’ve selected songs about money from multiple genres and musical generations, with each artist providing unique insight into the thrills and dangers of money and everything it represents:
Money (That’s What I Want) — Barrett Strong
This song was the first hit record for the legendary Motown label. Barrett Strong first recorded it in 1959, with the Beatles doing a version in 1963 and the Flying Lizards releasing it again in 1979. “Money (That’s What I Want)” has a Detroit R&B sound, with a bluesy piano riff working in the background behind iconic lyrics like “The best things in life are free” and “I need money (that’s what I want).” This track offers a playful take on money, as a common denominator driving human action.
Bills, Bills, Bills — Destiny’s Child
This pop/R&B song by Destiny’s Child comes from their 1999 album, The Writing’s on the Wall. It was the group’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, and it helped setup the career of Beyoncé Knowles. The lyrics were inspired by personal dating experiences, and the music blended jittery R&B rhythms with slinky harpsichords and synthesizers. “Bills, Bills, Bills” is often read as a feminist anthem, with women taking the power back by demanding financial responsibility.
Money — Pink Floyd
This fabulous track by Pink Floyd was written by Roger Waters, released in 1973 on the iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon. “Money” is famous for its prog-rock time signatures and money-related sound effects, including a ringing cash register and the sound of coins jingling. This song covers the complex power of money, with lines like “Money, it’s a crime, Share it fairly, but don’t take a slice of my pie, Money, so they say, Is the root of all evil today.”
Money Honey — Lady Gaga
“Money Honey” by Lady Gaga comes from her debut studio album, The Fame, which was released in 2008. This track is a favorite among fans and critics, although it’s less famous than the album’s first two singles, “Just Dance” and “Poker Face.” This pop song is a thoughtful commentary about the age-old divide between love and materialism, which Gaga reconciles with the line “When you give me k-kisses (that’s money, honey).”
Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) — Pet Shop Boys
Released in 1986, “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” comes from the debut Pet Shop Boys’ album, Please. The lyrics describe two men, with one describing himself as an educated intellectual and the other having “looks” and “brawn.” They attempt to “make lots of money,” with the track saying all-such schemes are doomed to failure. While some people see this song as a materialistic anthem, it’s really a satirical interpretation of flashy 1980s life.
Mo Money Mo Problems — The Notorious B.I.G.
This iconic hip-hop track was the second single from Biggie’s second studio album, Life After Death from 1997. It was released posthumously after the rapper’s death, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and making everyone aware of his legacy. “Mo Money Mo Problems” is delivered with typical street flex, but it also gets real, saying, “I don’t know what, they want from me, It’s like the more money we come across, The more problems we see.”
Money Money Money — ABBA
This classic song by ABBA was released in 1976, and it’s still heard on the radio to this day. This track is sung by a protagonist called “Donna,” who explains how hard she works and dreams of a better life. The video for “Money Money Money” features dream sequences about the good life, as the band sings “Money, money, money, Always sunny, In the rich man’s world.” While the protagonist in this number may be poor, this is a rich song by any measure.
Money Trees — Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is known for creating intelligent hip-hop, delivering complex lyrics that go beyond the swagger of commercial rap. In his song “Money Trees,” he reflects on his current life situation and addresses his uncle’s murder on the streets of Compton. This track comes from his debut studio album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, which was released in 2012. More than a song about spending money, this track is about things in life with real value.
Bitch Better Have My Money — Rihanna
“Bitch Better Have My Money” is a trap/R&B song released in 2015 by the one-and-only Rihanna. It has a simple beat and repetitive refrain, with RiRi saying “bitch better have my money” over and over again. This money song was presented in Rihanna’s Caribbean accent, complete with braggadocio callouts and angry ad-libs delivered with attitude.
The Gambler — Kenny Rogers
This iconic track is mostly associated with Kenny Rogers, who released it in 1978 on the United Artists label. It comes from his album of the same name, and it achieved massive mainstream success as a No. 1 country hit. “The Gambler” uses poker metaphors to talk about life, which it does successfully with novel lyrics about money: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, Know when to run.”
Money Changes Everything — Cyndi Lauper
Back in the 1980s, Cyndi Lauper was a huge pop star and style icon. She released lots of hits in her prime, including the energetic cover “Money Changes Everything.” First written by The Brains in 1980, Lauper’s 1983 rendition was brighter, sharper and more commercial than the original. Lyrically, this track reflects on the harsh realities of money in everyday life.
Money for Nothing — Dire Straits
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits was another ’80s smash, from their fifth studio album Brothers in Arms from 1985. The song features a guest appearance by Sting, and the “I want my MTV” refrain copies notes from The Police’s “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” Lyrically, this track takes a satirical look at the perceived life of rock stars, distinguishing them from the working-class people watching music videos.
Free Money — Patti Smith
This 1975 song by Patti Smith comes from her iconic album Horses. While it’s not the biggest track on this famous release, it remains a favorite among many fans. This song is about the dream of “free money,“ and the influence it has on everyone’s life whether they like it or not. This introductory line sets the mood: “Every night before I go to sleep, Find a ticket, win a lottery, Scoop the pearls up from the sea, Cash them in and buy you all the things you need.”
Gold Digger — Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx
Modern pop, R&B, and rap genres often talk about finance, but few money songs are this overt. “Gold Digger” comes from Kayne West’s second studio album, Late Registration, which was released in 2005. Featuring Jamie Foxx on guest vocals, it blends looped samples and tight production with cheeky lines about groupies looking for love: “I ain’t saying she’s a gold digger/But she ain’t messin’ with no broke niggas!”
Moneytalks — AC/DC
Australia’s AC/DC have delivered consistent, hard-rocking music for many decades. “Moneytalks” comes from the band’s 12th studio album, The Razors Edge, from 1990. Written by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, this track is about the allure, influence, and reality of big money lifestyles: “Hey little girl, you want it all, The furs, the diamonds, the painting on the wall, Come on, come on, lovin’ for the money, Come on, come on, listen to the money talk.”
Can’t Buy Me Love — The Beatles
This song by The Beatles comes from a more innocent time, when pop music was mostly about love and good times. The title of this number says it all, with The Beatles singing about the irrelevance of money when it comes to true love. “Can’t Buy Me Love” was released in 1964 on the album A Hard Day’s Night, and it was also recorded by the incredible Ella Fitzgerald that same year.
Material Girl — Madonna
When it comes to ’80s pop icons, the Queen of Pop is the only name in the same ballpark as Michael Jackson. Her track “Material Girl” from 1984 was among her biggest hits, and it made quite a splash upon release. This song about bills came from her best-selling album, Like a Virgin. This song is the epitome of feminist materialism, with Madonna mimicking Marilyn Monroe in the video as she sung “You know that we are living in a material world, And I am a material girl.”
Rich Girl — Gwen Stefani
Influenced by Madonna and the excesses of hip-hop culture, the noughties brought a new generation of proud female materialism. On the track “Rich Girl” from 2004, Gwen Stefani discusses dreams of fame and riches from the perspective of “an Orange County girl.” This song was produced by Dr. Dre, and it’s heavily inspired by the Fiddler on the Roof song “If I Were a Rich Man.” Like many modern songs about cash, this track is sexy and fun.
Dirty Sexy Money — David Guetta & Afrojack feat. Charli XCX and French Montana
This track from 2017 merges high-energy EDM madness with pop-rap beats and style. David Guetta & Afrojack take care of production duties, with Charli XCX and French Montana adding vocals and vibes. “Dirty Sexy Money” is naughty pop music built with punch and nostalgia, with the artists drawing links between money and bedroom fun: “Whoo, tell me what you want and I can do it to you, I’m a million dollars, make your wishes come true.”
Taxman — The Beatles
“Taxman” is another song by The Beatles, released in 1966 just before they discovered psychedelics and Indian mysticism. It’s one of a few songs written by the group’s lead guitarist, George Harrison, and it has a serious political message. Throughout the song, the band protest against the higher level of progressive tax imposed in the United Kingdom: “Should five percent appear too small, Be thankful I don’t take it all, Cause I’m the taxman.”
Why Money Songs Resonate Across Genres and Generations
These famous songs about money transcend musical genres and generations. There are many reasons for this, from money’s importance in modern life to its ubiquitous role in work and relationships. Just like language, art, and music itself, money creates value through the act of connection. Financial transactions are part of everyday life, and capital accumulation is often confused for individual worthiness and cultural value.
For these reasons and more, money can be used to symbolize many different things. The metaphors used depend on the artist and surrounding culture, with listeners drawn to songs about money decade after decade based on economic conditions and cultural trends. For example, hip-hop culture often focuses on money to highlight Black autonomy and power. In a different vein, modern pop songs use money to highlight the seductive sex appeal of material items or the innate complexities of capitalist culture.
Final Thoughts
Money is a serious subject that’s central to modern life. As the most universal system of mutual trust ever devised, it has a sense of importance and value that everyone can understand. While money is a flawed way to measure success and achievement, its power in modern life leaves it open to a wealth of interpretations. Whether it’s ABBA singing about rich men, Madonna wearing materialism with pride, or Kanye West rapping about transactional sex, money continues to inspire musicians and connect with audiences across the globe.
More Artists and Show Episodes
