Who doesn’t like money?! Seriously, it’s the one thing that everyone on earth can agree that they want. Some people don’t talk about it but secretly wish they had money and many other people are all about money. Some of the biggest songs over the years and even in present times have money as their theme. This brings me to the point of creating this article – Top 10 Classic Songs About Money.
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What is a classic song?
Classic songs are those that have stood the test of time and continue to be popular with music lovers across generations. A classic song is one which has been played on radio stations, in clubs, as background music, and at parties. There are certain characteristics that make a song a classic.
10 Classic Songs About Money
Money, money, money. We all need it, and we all want it. But we also know how to spend it! Here are 10 classic songs about money that help us to get through the work week.
1) ABBA – Money, Money, Money
It is a song recorded by the Swedish pop group ABBA, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and featured vocals by Anni-Frid Lyngstad. It was released on November 1, 1976, as the second single from their fourth album Arrival (1976). The B-side, “Crazy World”, was recorded during the sessions of the ABBA album in 1974. The song (originally called “The Gypsy Girl”) is sung from the point of view of a woman who, despite her hard work, can barely keep her finances on top and therefore desires a wealthy man.
2) Pink Floyd – Money
“Money” is a song by English rock band Pink Floyd from their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by Roger Waters, it opened the second side of the original album.
Released as a single, the song reached #10 in Cash Box magazine and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the group’s first hit in the US. sound effects that are heard periodically throughout the song (such as a ringing cash register and the jingle of a coin).
3) Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars – Billionaire
American recording artist Travie McCoy from his debut studio album, Lazarus (2010), featuring vocals by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. It was first released on March 9, 2010, in various countries via digital download as the album’s lead single by Fueled by Ramen. McCoy co-wrote the song with its producers Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Ari Levine of the Smeezingtons. The song was created from a melody hummed by Mars and Lawrence.
Critical reception towards the song was mixed, as music critics praised the song’s style comparing it to the music of Sublime, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson, but criticized its songwriting. Lyrically, the song has a money-driven hook with political elements in the verses. Such elements include helping those in need, having a show like Oprah, and being on the cover of Forbes magazine once McCoy becomes a billionaire.
4) Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
“Money for Nothing” is a song by British rock band Dire Straits, the second track on their fifth studio album, Brothers in Arms (1985). It was released as the album’s second single on 28 June 1985 through Vertigo Records. The song’s lyrics are written from the point of view of two working-class men watching music videos and commenting on what they see.
5) The Beatles – Can’t Buy Me Love
The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a song about the emptiness of materialism and how one can never be truly satisfied with material goods. It was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and released on their album A Hard Day’s Night in 1964. The song was later included on the band’s compilation album Past Masters, Volume One in 1988.
In 1965, the song reached number one in the UK and number two in the US charts. It also reached number one in Australia and Canada, making it one of The Beatles most successful singles worldwide. The single was re-released in 1987 as part of The Beatles’ 20th anniversary celebrations.
6) Hall and Oates – Rich Girl
“Rich Girl” is a song by Daryl Hall & John Oates. The single was first featured on the 1976 album Bigger Than Both of Us. At the end of 1977, Billboard listed it as the 23rd biggest hit of the year.
The lyrics of the song are about a spoiled girl who can rely on her parents’ money to do whatever she wants.
7) Gwen Stefani – Rich Girl
Rich Girl is the debut solo single by American singer Gwen Stefani. It features Eve, who co-wrote and raps on the track. The song was released on October 7, 2004 as the lead single from Stefani’s debut solo studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). The song was written by Stefani and Eve while being produced by Dr. Dre and Scott Storch.
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The song was released as a double A-side with “What You Waiting For?”. It reached number one in Canada, Denmark and New Zealand, peaked at number two in Australia, Norway and the United Kingdom, number four in Germany, France and Switzerland and number eight in Ireland. In the US, it peaked at number 87 on Billboard Hot 100 chart (which became her second highest peak after Hollaback Girl), becoming her third top-ten hit there since Hollaback Girl peaked at number five in 2002.
8) Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch – Money
This song, written by Kiwanuka and Misch with the latter also producing it, deals with how money can affect relationships. The two musicians have said they were inspired by their own experiences around the world.
9) Kelis – Millionaire
Kelis’ “Millionaire” is a catchy tune about being rich that was featured on her 2003 album Tasty. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 2004 Grammys.
The song is a play on words with Kelis saying she wants to be a millionaire, but she’s not referring to an actual person with loads of cash. Instead, she’s talking about being rich in love and romance.
10) Cyndi Lauper – Money Changes Everything
This 1983 hit single from Cyndi Lauper’s debut album She’s So Unusual is about how money can affect relationships between people and make them change their behavior toward each other.
FAQ
Why are so many songs about money?
Popular music often becomes popular partly because it takes people away from their everyday lives. By singing about fame and fortune, artists can inspire listeners to aspire to a lifestyle generally perceived as better than the one they currently have.
Who made the song Money Money Money?
“Money, Money, Money” is a song recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus with Anni-Frid Lyngstad singing lead vocals. It was released on 1 November 1976, as the second single from their fourth album, Arrival (1976)
