Cash, Beats, and Rhythms: Ranking The 16 Best Songs About Money

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

If you’re looking for the best songs about money, you’re in the right place! Money, whether you like it or not, keeps the world going. It also undoubtedly brings independence and stability, even though it shouldn’t be the most essential item in someone’s life.

Money has a significant impact on music, and many songs are motivated by the all-powerful green paper.

The 16 Best Songs About Money

We’ve completed a great list of the best songs about money. These songs talk about earning money, spending money, saving money, and even sharing money.

Songs from different artists and genres, including pop successes, movie soundtracks, and legendary hip-hop songs, were included.

Best songs about money – Ranked

1. ABBA by “Money, Money, Money”

This is one of ABBA’s most classic single. It’s a captivating pop anthem that perfectly expresses the eternal chase of financial security and the fantasies it promises. 

In the song is a about a woman that dreams about marrying a rick man or winning a fortune in a game and fantasising about all the things she could d0. The woman complains about working and not having “a single penny left for me”

The song discusses the common desire for prosperity and how it shapes our dreams and desires. It is distinguished by its upbeat speed and contagious tune. 

“Money, Money, Money” is probably one of the most popular songs about money.

“In my dreams I have a plan
I got me a wealthy man
I wouldn’t have to work at all, I’d fool around and have a ball.
Money, money, money

2. “Money (That’s What I Want)” by The Flying Lizards

This long by The Flying Lizards is a tune that hits you right in the wallet! It’s a very catchy track, first released in 1979, and it is all about the bottom line and the unapologetic pursuit of cold, hard cash. 

The beat is infectious, and the lyrics don’t mince words, echoing the universal desire for financial freedom. It’s like a musical mantra for the hustle and grind, reminding us that in this world, we all want a slice of that money pie.

The song quickly gained enormous popularity. Barrett Strong originally recorded the song in the year 1959. It was altered made into covers by the The Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

3. “Money” by Lisa

This one is a a great song that’s all about chasing the money! This track, with its pulsating beats and addictive melody, is a tribute to the hustle and the glory of earning money.

It’s a modern anthem for anyone grinding and dreaming of financial success. The lyrics resonate with the hardworking spirit, painting a picture of ambition and the desire for prosperity.

The song’s energy makes it a perfect addition to any playlist for those hustling and striving for the financial goals. So, turn up the volume and let the beat motivate your money moves!

4.“Money” by Pink Floyd

“Money,” is a work of music art that explores the complexity of money and consumerism. It actually talks about the negative side of money, which is not surprising by the Pink Floyd.

The song’s opening sound effects from a cash register quickly draw the listener into its reflection on society’s fixation with money. 

The song exposes how money clouds judgement while idolising the possible advantages of wealth—material belongings and a greater social standing.

As the song progresses, it depicts money as the source of all evil, with those who possess it—like Jack—having a tendency to hoard it while those without it—like the narrator—struggling to obtain a fair portion.

This song to be a timeless classic that inspires discussion about the significance of money in society.

“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.”

5. “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars 

Billionaire is an uplifting song by Travis Mc Coy and Bruno Mars that talks about the desire for enormous fortune and the things one would do with it. It’s perfect for daydreaming about being rich.

The pre-chorus discusses the ambition to become a billionaire and the fantasies that go along with it, including buying everything one has ever wanted, appearing on the Forbes magazine cover, and mingling with celebrities like Oprah and the Queen.

The singer mentions performing in several locations every night, seeing his name in bright lights, and cautioning the world to get ready for the day he becomes a billionaire in the chorus.

“I wanna be a billionaire so fucking bad
Buy all the things I never had
Uh, I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine
Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen

6. “It’s All About The Benjamins” by Puff Daddy & The Family

This song glorifies money and material goods as proof of achievement. The song’s lyrics portray a lifestyle of ballers, shot-callers, and brawlers who dress expensively and drive fancy cars.

Benjamins,” which refers to $100 bills with Benjamin Franklin’s likeness, is used in the song to describe the desire to possess them.

The single was the number one song on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs for an entire six weeks in 1997. If you aspire to make money and spend it too, you might like this song. 

“It’s all about the Benjamins baby
Now, what y’all want to do
Want to be ballers, shot callers, brawlers
Who be dipping in the Benz with the spoilers

7. “Money For Nothing” by Dire Straits 

“Money for Nothing” focuses on envy and the idea of receiving something for nothing. The song was released in 1985 on Dire Straits’ album “Brothers in Arms“. To this day, is one of the band’s most successful songs, you can still hear it on the radio.

The lyrics are about a guy working in an appliance store and expressing envy towards those who appear to have it all and are able to obtain their goals with ease. He also berates the MTV generation for having a poor moral compass and a fixation with material goods. 

The song humorously alleges that contemporary culture is driving people to obsess on trivial possessions rather than working towards personally fulfilling objectives.

In general, the song implies that MTV and the 1980s commercial culture encouraged people to purchase their way to success rather than working hard to accomplish their objectives.

8. “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night” by Prince And The New Power Generation

This one is another song that talks about the negative side of money. The song explores the idea of money’s fleeting nature and its inability to bring true happiness or fulfilment in life. 

The song describes a man who consistently loses at gambling , suggesting that he treats money carelessly and doesn’t respect its value.

It all comes down to how people view money when it serves no useful purpose for them. Instead, Prince advises concentrating on making sure your soul is in good shape.

The song was number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 list on May 16 of 1992. 

“One more card and it’s 22, unlucky for him again”

9.  “Can’t buy me love” by The Beatles

This timeless Beatles song emphasises the theme that money cannot buy happiness or love. Can’t buy me love, the song’s repeated chorus, swiftly establishes this concept in the first few words.

The rest of the verses go on to explain that the singer doesn’t care about money and would be prepared to give whatever they have—even if it’s not much—to a loved one.

The chorus, which is repeated several times in the song, strengthens its message even more.

The singer requests their love interest’s confirmation in the third stanza that they don’t value material belongings and that they are satisfied by desires that money cannot purchase.

One of the first pop songs to open with the chorus, this was also the first Beatles single to have just one band member singing lead.

Say you don’t need no diamond rings
And I’ll be satisfied
Tell me that you want the kind of things
That money just can’t buy.”

10. “Rich Girl” by Daryl Hall & John Oates

This song explores the benefits and constraints of being rich. The song talks about a rich girl who has grown reliant on her father’s wealth and material belongings.

“You’re a rich girl, and you’ve gone too far,” is repeated in the chorus to emphasise excess and gluttony.

The girl may have been detached from reality as a result of her prosperity, the song implies.

Because she can always rely on her father’s wealth, the sentence “You can rely on the old man’s money” suggests that she is not need to accept responsibility for her actions.

The song, however, emphasises that material wealth alone cannot provide genuine happiness or fulfilment, as evidenced in in the line “Say money but it won’t get you too far.”

11. “A Milli” by Lil’ Wayne

Hip-hop musician Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” was made available as the first single off his 2008 album Tha Carter III. Lil Wayne boasts about his fortune, talent, accomplishments, and power in the upbeat and haughty rap song. H

e makes allusions to current affairs, popular culture, and ideas that span from his degree of achievement to touchier subjects like cocaine addiction.

The refrain of the song, “Motherfucker, I’m ill,” is repeated several times, reinforcing Lil Wayne’s message that he is superior to his opponents.

His claim that he has all the solutions and has the ability to transform a “crack rock into a mountain” is another indication of his might and influence in the song. The song serves as a showcase for his musical abilities.

12. “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan

“C.R.E.A.M.” stands for “cash rules everything around me” so it’s no surprise this song is on the list.

This acronym has been used a lot in recent years in hip hop and rap song.  The song was released as part of the album ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ in 1993. 

Wu-Tang Clan’s song is both a celebration of the importance of money and a cautionary tale about its dangers.

The song tackles issues of ambition, tenacity, and living in a material world while telling the tale of a teenage street hustler who is striving to get enough money to survive.

The lyrics finally show how strong money can be by contrasting living in poverty with the luxury that comes with having it.

13. “For the Love of Money” by The O’Jays

“For The Love of Money,” was released in 1973 and offers some excellent insights on money.

The song examines the negative effects of money and its influence over individuals. The song’s lyrics send a powerful message about how money is detrimental and may cause people to lose sight of their morals and principles.

The first line of the song highlights the value of money in society and the different ways that people might obtain it. Certain individuals are motivated to use money for good as well as bad purposes.

People would go to terrible lengths to get it, including robbing their own family members or using violence and dishonesty.

The song makes the argument that people might become so corrupted by the desire of wealth that they are unable to trust anyone they meet on the street.

For the love of money
People will steal from their mother
For the love of money
People will rob their own brother
.

14. “Mo Money Mo Problems” by the Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. (with Diddy and Ma$e)’s song “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems” is a meditation on the hardships of success and the unfavourable effects that follow.

The song’s lyrics are a satire on the idea that problems seem to follow wealth. Every rapper shares their personal stories of affluence and the problems that come with it.

15. “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” by Bing Crosby

This Bing Crosby song captures a profound sense of desperation and disappointment, mirroring the difficulties that many people had in the 1930s Great Depression.

It is a moving commentary on the miseries faced by the working class and the dashed hopes of the American Dream.

The first few sentences give off an air of deceit and manipulation. The main character is informed that they are “building a dream” and is made to feel that success and fortune will come through their labours.

This implies a culture where accumulating material wealth and believing that one can work one’s way up to a brighter future are the driving forces.

The reality is a stark contrast between the promised “peace and glory” and the harsh reality of poverty and struggle.

16.  “Bills Bills Bills” by Destiny’s Child

“Bills, Bills, Bills” tells the story of a significant other who is not financially responsible. The protagonist’s partner is described in the song as not paying the bills, going on expensive trips with their money, and requesting that money be held until their own cheque arrives.

The singer’s annoyance that their significant other is not making financial contributions and that they must cover all expenses is evident in the chorus and bridge.

The vocalist also seems to be planning to terminate the relationship as a result of this behaviour, as hinted at both the chorus and bridge.

The song is about the difficulties that a lot of individuals have navigating relationships in which one partner refuses to be financially accountable.

Songs about money – Closing Remarks

In the music industry, musicians from a variety of genres have regularly used the idea of money as a captivating muse. This investigation into the greatest songs about money has uncovered a wide range of works, all of which present distinctive viewpoints on the function of riches, financial hardship, and societal ideals.

These songs, which range in genre from pop to country to hip-hop, demonstrate the pervasive influence and allure of money on human experience.

Particularly hip-hop has been a popular genre for conveying the complications of fame, money, and power. Songs like “Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G., featuring Mase and Puff Daddy, highlight the paradox of financial prosperity, which states that having more money might unintentionally result in more issues and difficulties.

Beyond hip-hop, rock hits like Pink Floyd’s “Money” speak to a wider audience while criticising capitalism and consumerism. This timeless song serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of a materialistic culture by exposing the emptiness that can result from an unrelenting chase of wealth.

To sum up, our search into the best songs about money has given us the opportunity to learn more about the complex aspects of money in the context of music. These songs capture the complex relationship society has with money, from reflecting socioeconomic inequalities and challenges to applauding prosperity and recognising the dangers of materialism. The range of genres and viewpoints shown in these songs highlights the topic of money’s eternal and universal relevance in sound art, deepening our comprehension of the human predicament.

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