57 Pop, Rock, and Country Songs About Money
Do You Attract or Repel Money?
Some people attract money like magnets to metal while others have never met a dollar that isn't worth spending. It slips through their grasp like water through a sieve. Which are you?
If you have big financial dreams, make sure to motivate yourself to work hard, invest your earnings wisely, and avoid overspending. You can also make yourself a Money Playlist of pop, rock and country songs. These songs explain what money can buy, and what it can't. Now go make bank.
1. "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy (featuring Bruno Mars)
Imagine what you'd do with a billion dollars. Would you be selfish or share a little bit of your windfall? In this popular 2010 rock song with some raggae influences, McCoy and Mars ponder paying it forward.
In addition to playing basketball with the President and hosting a tv show like Oprah, they claim they would:
- adopt orphans like Angelie Jolie and Brad Pitt
- bestow gifts to the deserving and food to the hungry and
- grant people's dying wishes.
Reader Poll
What would YOU do with a BILLION dollars?
2. “Rich Girl” by Hall and Oates
This 1976 song reminds me of some of the people I went to college with. It was an elite university where students boasted that their parents were Wall Street investment bankers, corporate lawyers, or venture capitalists. (Cue eye roll.)
This classic hit is about a young woman who is skating through life because of her family wealth rather than forging her own identity. As a result, she fails to develop the empathy that is needed to make authentic relationships flourish. The narrator in the song, her boyfriend, is telling her the difficult truth after she has hurt him:
You're a rich girl, and you've gone too far
'Cause you know it don't matter anyway
You can rely on the old man's money
You can rely on the old man's money
It's a b*tch girl but it's gone too far
'Cause you know it don't matter anyway.
3. "Money Changes Everything" by Cyndi Lauper
This 1984 hit imparts the cold hard truth: that you cannot live on love alone. A woman who swore eternal love to her sweetheart now leaves the poor man for one who has a little jingle in his pocket. As she trades up, she explains that money changes everything.
Reader poll
When looking for a potential mate, how important is/was money?
4. "Material Girl" by Madonna
This was vintage 1980s and established Madonna as an icon of pop music. The 1984 song pays homage to affluence, all the finer things that money can buy, and relationships built on cold hard cash.
5. "Price Tag" by Jessie J
Can't we go back to a simpler time when life was more authentic, before everyone became consumed with the almighty buck? This 2011 recalls when music used to bring people together and people just enjoyed dancing. Jessie J asks:
Why is everybody so obsessed?
Money can't buy us happiness
Can we all slow down and enjoy right now?
30 Things That Money Can't Buy
a clear conscience
| true friendship
| talent
|
a positive outlook on life
| integrity / character
| innocence
|
a good reputation
| self-respect
| trust
|
good judgment
| memories
| real love
|
creativity
| more time
| ambition
|
self-discipline
| compassion
| a sense of humor
|
ethics
| good manners
| maturity
|
true forgiveness
| personal accountability
| youth
|
justice
| honor
| righteousness
|
wisdom
| tolerance
| courage
|
6. "9-to-5" by Dolly Parton
Many people who have worked the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job can identify with this country hit from 1980. It laments the fast-paced and less-than-satisfying life of putting in 40 or more hours a week at a dead end job.
According to the song, you don't get the recognition, upward mobility, or financial compensation you believe you deserve:
Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it.
7. "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc
In this 2011 song, Aloe Blacc is a man down on his luck. He's just been fired from a job that he really needed, and he begs for a dollar in exchange for his story.
His whole world feels like it's falling apart and although he knows he is reaping what he has sown, that doesn't make it any better. He just needs a dollar. Aloe Blacc wrote this song when he was a business consultant and his employer downsized him.
8. "Marry For Money" by Trace Atkins
After having his heart broken when he married for love, the narrator in this 2009 song decides that next time around he'll snag a sugar mama. He doesn't care if she's old, ugly or not in love with him. He doesn't need to like her family or friends. He just wants to be rich and never have to work again. Sounds like someone is selling his soul.
9. "If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time" by Willie Nelson
This 1976 classic almost seemed prophetic of Willie Nelson's money troubles decades later. The song's narrator is eager to leave his beat up old car behind and go honky tonkying with an aquantainence in their Cadilac — but only if they're paying Willie's tab.
8 Common Causes of Bankruptcy
Medical Expenses
| Job Loss/Income Reduction
|
Using Your Credit Line Poorly/Excessively
| Divorce/Separation
|
Excessive Student Loan Debt
| High Risk Mortgages
|
Unexpected Disaster (e.g., fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake and not having insurance)
| Carrying Debt Into Retirement
|
10. "Glamorous" by Fergie featuring Ludacris
Fergie is living life in the fast lane in this 2007 song. She's riding first class, drinking champagne, and enjoying the bling. She points out, however, that even though she's got a lot of money in the bank, she still keeps it real, still goes to the Taco Bell drive-thru.
11. "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani
In this 2004 song, Gwen Stefani ponders what it would be like to be a rich girl (as if she's not loaded already, right?). She sees money as not just a means to purchase what she wants but a power-equalizer with men: "If I was a wealthy girl, no man could test me, impress me, my cash flow would never ever end."
12. "Money Honey" by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga lets her beau know that she adores the champagne, "the Jag, the jet and the mansion" in this 2008 hit. But even though she finds the high life sexy, she swears that it's her lover's tender, seductive touch that beats everything. Because there are some things money can't buy.
13. "For the Love of Money" by O'Jays
Oh, the evils that money can bring! This classic 1973 soul hit points out some of the lows that people will sink to in the name of money, including stealing from family, betraying others and prostitution.
The song warns the listener that money can make some people go out of their minds. The song's title was based on the following Bible verse:
1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The song has been used commercially in H&R Block's 2014 television ad campaign, "Get Your Billion Back, America" and in Donald Trump's reality shows, "The Apprentice" and "The Celebrity Apprentice."
14. "Buy Me A Boat" by Chris Janson
The narrator in this 2015 country song is a "redneck, white trash and blue collar" fella who works way too hard for way too little. But he has daydreams of having a rich uncle who'd conveniently kick the bucket and leave him several million dollars.
With his inheritance, he would buy a boat, a truck to pull it, a Yeti cooler, some fishing equipment, and a load of beer. That's any redneck's dream!
15. "Soak Up the Sun" by Sheryl Crow
There's a lot of material possessions that Sheryl Crow doesn't have, according to this 2002 hit, but she makes up for it with the right attitude:
I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got.
16. "Money in the Bank" John Anderson
The narrator in this 1993 country hit doesn't have a lot of money, but he considers himself rich because he's got the girl of his dreams. For all the money in the world, he wouldn't give her up:
Right at the top, that's where you rank;
Honey, your love's better than money in the bank.
17. "Money, Money, Money" by ABBA
Like many people, the narrator in this 1976 song dreams of finding a wealthy partner so she wouldn't have to work anymore. Let's get real though. She's not considering that he probably had to work very hard to make his fortune and that she'd probably have to sign a pre-nuptial.
It's nice to dream of a financial windfall, but it's better to earn your own good hard earned fortune.
18. “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong
According to this 1960 song, two things are true: the best things in life are free and his sweetheart's love is thrilling. However, money is what pays the bills and that's what he needs. Give him money because that's what he wants.
19. "I Wanna Be Rich" by Calloway
It may be shallow to be so money-motivated, but when you have bill collectors harassing you it's a goal that probably keeps you up at night. This 1989 song features a protagonist seeking the big bucks so he can enjoy material bliss and "a little love, peace and happiness." Maybe then those bill collectors will leave him alone then.
20. “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child
I once worked with a lady who was her boyfriend's ATM, just like the woman in this 1999 song. At first, he impressed her with lots of gifts. However, gradually the boyfriend asked for loans and ran up her credit cards. He drove her car and then she found herself bankrolling his bills.
If you're doing this for your beloved, you don't have an equal. You have a dependent. Be sure that's what you want.
Even More Songs About Money
Title
| Artist
| Year
|
---|---|---|
21. Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money)
| Pet Shop Boys
| 1986
|
22. Rich
| Maren Morris
| 2016
|
23. She Works Hard For the Money
| Donna Summer
| 1983
|
24. If I Had $1,000,000
| Barenaked Ladies
| 1996
|
25. Eat the Rich
| Aerosmith
| 1993
|
26. Ka Ching
| Shania Twain
| 2002
|
27. Make the Money
| Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
| 2012
|
28. Can’t Buy Me Love
| The Beatles
| 1964
|
29. Just Got Paid
| 'N Sync
| 2000
|
30. Movin' On Up (Theme From "The Jeffersons")
| Janet Dubois
| 1974
|
31. Love or Money
| Sammy Hagar
| 1980
|
32. Money Maker
| Ludacris feat. Pharrell Williams
| 2006
|
33. The Gambler
| Kenny Rogers
| 1976
|
34. Money
| 5 Seconds of Summer
| 2015
|
35. American Capitalist
| Five Finger Death Punch
| 2011
|
36. Can't Buy Me Love
| The Beatles
| 1966
|
37. Money Talks
| Rick James
| 1982
|
38. Moneytalks
| AC/DC
| 1990
|
39. Did You Steal My Money?
| The Who
| 1981
|
40. Love Don't Cost a Thing
| Jennifer Lopez
| 2000
|
41. Take the Money and Run
| Steve Miller Band
| 1976
|
42. Keep Your Eye on the Money
| Motley Crue
| 1985
|
43. Too Much Month at the End of the Money
| Marty Stuart
| 2003
|
44. Shuttin' Detroit Down
| John Rich
| 2009
|
45. When I Get it
| Craig Campbell
| 2011
|
46. I Feel Lucky
| Mary Chapin Carpenter
| 1992
|
47. Money
| Pink Floyd
| 1973
|
48. Got No Bread, No Milk, No Money, But We Sure Got a Lot of Love
| James Talley
| 1973
|
49. No Money
| Galantis
| 2016
|
50. You're Not My God
| Keith Urban
| 2002
|
51. Taxman
| The Beatles
| 1966
|
52. Money
| K.T. Oslin
| 1988
|
53. Thrift Shop
| Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
| 2012
|
54. Silver Threads and Golden Needles
| Linda Ronstadt
| 1974
|
55. Workin' Man's Dollar
| Chris LeDoux
| 1991
|
56. Dirty Cash (Money Talks)
| The Adventures of Stevie V
| 1990
|
57. Money Make Her Smile
| Bruno Mars
| 2012
|
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Questions & Answers
© 2016 FlourishAnyway
Comments
Hi Flourish. I loved your table of what money can't buy - so true. Unfortunately money is terribly important to some people. I know someone (divorced) who says she would never go out with a man who has less money than her. Her choice (bad one). Great personality and basic kindness is far more important to me.
Great list, Flourish! I know just a few of them but they all sound great. Like Abba and Dolly Parton the best.
Well done again!
Ann
Several songs came to mind as I read this wonderful hub. I love so many of these songs.
"Silver Threads And Golden Needles" by Linda Ronstadt
Silver Threads And Golden Needles
Cannot mend this heart of mine
And I dare not drown my sorrow
In the warm glow of your wine
You can't buy my love with money
Cause I never was that kind
Silver Threads And Golden Needles
Cannot mend this heart of mine
----x----x----x----
The next is on one of my albums and off the top of my head can't remember who is singing it.
"I have a Silver Dollar"
I have a Silver Dollar
All shiny bright and new
And if you'll come and go with me
I'll spend it all on you.
(I will look for this one when time, hubby and Chipper permit)
Blessings and keep the music playing and I will keep looking for the missing ones.) ;^)
I'm glad I waited until Saturday to listen to all the songs in this hub. Some I know, many I don't and that's one thing I love about your playlists, Flourish. You never fail to introduce me to music and/or artists I'm not familiar with or normally wouldn't listen to.
Just a side comment: I don't see what Blake Sheldon sees in Gwen Stefani. They are on opposite ends of the spectrum musically. He seems down to earth and she seems more like a material girl.
But, back to money. It's a necessary evil in today's world. I divorced my second husband because he refused to contribute to paying the household expenses. I gave him an ultimatum: either help or I don't see any reason to continue what is supposed to be a partnership. He opted for the latter. No love lost there, huh?
This one is really funny. I loved the first song and I'm working my way down the list. This could take a while. I loved your remarks about your fellow classmate in college and "Rich Girl". I remember this song playing when I was in school and how my best friend fit the bill. We skipped school one day and hung out at the Brickell Avenue high rise condominium pool with the rich folks. Enjoyable read and a great way to perk up the afternoon.
Your granny was certainly generous!!! I'll bet she was a hoot before things started going a little bit awry. Well, we have another fun list here. I admit to having a soft spot for Donna Summer. Back in the day, I used to dance to her music when I would hit the clubs. "Oooh, oooh, oooh, She works hard for the money." (I hear she was talking about your working girl---if you know what I mean.) Eeek!
Love love stopping here....music is the elixir for my soul...Rich Girl is my favorite here. Pinned
Great job....Angels are headed your way, flourish-
When I saw and began reading this article I immediately thought of a song called 'Got No Bread, No Milk No Money, But We Sure Got Lots of Love', written and sung by James Talley. I had to go listen to it again. Talley is not well known, but I still like his music--and it brings back memories for me.
Flourish, I enjoyed this article. I especially like the Billionaire music video. Very nice and so much what I would hope others would do: enjoy the blessing but help others also.
I like the fact that you always add good advice to your playlist articles, Flourish. The music is fun and the advice is useful. I think that's a great combination.
Great songs concerning money. I am not just about the money.
Great post and thanks for the songlist
Another impressive collection of musical memories... and a whole bunch of favorites on this list! Hope your weekend is musical and magical!
Let's not forget "Money" by Pink Floyd.
In answer to above question - both!
I certainly repel money:-/
Great list.
Well, to answer your initial question, I sure don't attract money. LOL I wish I did, just a little, you know. But alas, the best I can do is listen to this great list of songs. Thanks for my songlist this weekend.
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