Living the High Life: 28 Best Songs About Being Rich

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Written By John Red

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

The appeal of luxury and wealth is one element that frequently captures our attention in music because of its exceptional ability to reflect the essence of human experiences. Songs about being rich have long captivated listeners of all ages, whether they are performed to the mesmerising soundscapes of grand pianos or the pulsing beats of hip-hop. These poetic treasures transport us to a world where luxury is supreme and champagne never runs out.

We take a wonderful tour through the most exquisite melodies that praise the accoutrements of wealth and prosperity in this post. Even though the stories of affluence and excess in these songs are all made up, they provide us a glimpse of the idealistic attraction of wealth. They create a vivid auditory world of excess and wealth by taking us to opulent mansions, expensive yachts, and lavish parties.

Each musical genre adds its own distinct flavour to this aural celebration of richness, from the dreamy melodies of dream pop to the contagious hooks of R&B. These fictitious songs seamlessly weave tales of prosperity, expressing the escapist fantasies that we all have, whether through soaring vocal performances, complex instrumental arrangements, or deft wordplay.

Living the High Life: 28 Best Songs About Being Rich

These songs tackle the intricacies and ambiguities of riches in addition to the overt extravagance. Some explore the isolating aspects of excessive wealth, illuminating the terrible loneliness that can come along with material prosperity. Others explore topics like greed, the false promise of happiness provided by material items, and the genuine worth of human connection in the midst of luxury.

We invite you to revel in the aural dreams of these fictitious songs as we set off on this musical journey, succumbing momentarily to the attraction of prosperity through sound. Allow yourself to be carried away to a world where excess is accepted, where champagne fountains run, and where living a life adorned with diamonds is the height of glitz.

As we explore the captivating realm of the best songs about wealth, where visions of fortune harmonise with a symphony of desire and happiness, please sit back, adjust your golden headphones, and join us.

28 Best Songs About Being Rich – Here are our recommendations!

28: I Get Money – 50 Cent

When Curtis Jackson, better known by his stage name as 50 Cent, released the album “Curtis” in 2007, he certainly wasn’t afraid to let everyone know that he has money, as he constantly states in the single “I Get Money”. This rapper from New York has seen plenty of financial highs and lows, all of which have been well-documented.

He discusses, among other things, how he developed Vitamin Water and sold it to Coca-Cola for enormous sums of money in this song. The remaining verses of the song discuss his travels and purchases.

27: I’m The One – DJ Khaled Ft. Drake, Rick Ross And Lil Wayne

The song “I’m the One” is really grandiose and frequently makes references to money. While not the only theme of the song, money is undoubtedly a significant one. Rappers are essentially telling their wives that they are the only ones for them and boasting about their lives.

26: 7 Rings – Ariana Grande

Being able to purchase life’s finer pleasures is no longer simply a game for the lads, as Ariana Grande demonstrates in the song “7 Rings” from her 2019 album “Thank U, Next”. She sings about being able to obtain anything she desires in this song. It doesn’t matter if she is referring to her clothing, jewellery, smile, or hair. Ariana makes it apparent that nothing will stand in the way of achieving her goals. All of this is set to a catchy beat that blends hip hop and pop.

25: She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer

The smash hit song “She Works Hard For the Money” by Donna Summers from the album of the same name in 1983 provided women all around the world a timeless hymn of female strength. This song depicts the tale of a working-class woman who has experienced her fair share of hardships as it follows her throughout the course of her day.

Her dreams, however, are sufficiently great to get her through the difficult times and lead her to better times, just like everything else in the 1980s. There is a message here that you better appreciate her since her ambition will enable her rise to the top.

24: Billionaire – Travie McCoy Ft. Bruno Mars

Ever sit down and consider what you would do if you won the lottery? The song “Billionaire” is the musical representation of your unrealistic expectations for what you will do with lottery wins. Bruno Mars is the star of this song from Travie McCoy’s 2010 album “Lazarus.” It’s lovely how he expresses his altruistic side by saying,“So everybody that I love can have a couple of bucks, and not a single tummy around me would know what hungry was. Eating good, sleeping soundly. I know we all have a similar dream”.

23: Gold Digger – Kanye West Ft. Jamie Foxx

Many of you are probably well aware of this, but some women just want one thing from a male. Obviously, that one thing is money. Kanye West wrote a popular song about these ladies, known as “gold diggers”, on his album “Registration”. This song is about a woman who takes advantage of men to get money.

But then she meets the ideal person who succeeds and then deserts her as soon as he becomes successful, beating her at her own game. What’s good for the goose, I suppose, is also good for the gander. One of my favourite rap tracks about money is this one.

22: Easy Money – Billy Joel

The critically acclaimed and commercially successful 1983 album “An Innocent Man” by Billy Joel is filled with hit songs, but the song “Easy Money” is a deeper cut that serves as a warning about how simple it is to become rich at the casino or how quickly you can lose it all in the blink of an eye.

With the words, “I got a one-track mind and a good reputation laying on the line”, this song also raises awareness of the potential risks associated with becoming an addiction to gambling. Either “I’ll either come back a bum or a king”. He is unable to refuse gambling.

21: Got Money – Lil Wayne Ft. T-Pain

Lil Wayne, a rapper who signed a deal with Cash Money Records at the age of 12, is the best person to ask about how to become well-known and rich. The song “Got Money” is from his 2008 album “Tha Carter III”, and it has a guest appearance from T-Pain.

It is about all the pleasures he can now purchase because of his popularity and talent, as well as the numerous adventures that having money gets him involved in. He also raps on how, now that he has money to burn, everyone wants a piece of him.

20: Beautiful, Dirty, Rich – Lady Gaga

American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga’s song “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” is available online. It was made available as the lead single from The Fame (2008), her debut studio album. Gaga and RedOne co-wrote the song, and they also oversaw its production.

Gaga’s passion for various fashion designers and affluent people served as its inspiration. Music critics gave the song favourable reviews, praising its catchiness and club-friendly appeal.

19: Money Trees – Jay Rock And Kendrick Lamar

Jay Rock, an American hip-hop recording artist, released his debut studio album 90059 in 2016 and included the song “Money Trees” on it. Kendrick Lamar, another American rapper, is featured on the track, which was created by DJ Dahi. On September 11, 2015, “Money Trees” was made available as the album’s lead single. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song reached its apex at position 90.

The money tree is a fictitious tree that produces money instead of leaves, and the song’s title and chorus make reference to it. In the song, Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar talk about the tough conditions of life in Compton, California, and how they managed to make ends meet via street hustling. 

18: Millionaire – Kelis

Kelis’ song “Millionaire” is about prosperity and fortune. The song is about Kelis reaching the top and becoming a millionaire. Beginning the song, Kelis discusses how she was raised in a privileged home and how she has always had access to anything she has ever wanted. Then she describes how she began to work hard and earn her own money.

Kelis continues by describing how she has become a millionaire and how much she enjoys her life. The song is a fantastic motivator for anyone who wishes to fulfil their potential and succeed. Additionally, it is a fantastic song for those who are currently affluent and desire to remain such.

17: Free Money – Patti Smith

Patti Smith’s song “Free Money”, is from the album Horses. The power of money and how it may corrupt is the subject of the song. The people who abuse their authority and take advantage of others for personal gain are criticised in the lyrics.

The song does, however, also acknowledge the part money plays in society and the good it can do. The song’s chorus exhorts audience members to “take the money and run”. In other words, take charge of your finances rather than letting them rule you. The inspirational song “Free Money” exhorts listeners to take charge of their life.

16: Rich – K. Michelle

K. Michelle, a clothing line, has a song called Rich. The costly lifestyle and the high-end goods that go along with it are the subject of the song. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes are among the designer names mentioned in the song. The song also discusses how wealthy people lead different lives from those who are not.

They live in better homes, automobiles, and outfits. Additionally, they can afford to take opulent holidays and travel to far-off places. The chorus of the song, which declares that being wealthy is preferable to being impoverished, serves as its climax. Overall, Rich is a song that inspires listeners to strive for a similar degree of riches by celebrating the lifestyle of the wealthy. 

15: Rich As Fuck – Lil Wayne Ft. 2 Chainz

Rich As Fuck was released in 2013. Since the song is about consumerism and riches, Lil Wayne’s line stands out since it emphasises grandeur. Lil Wayne makes it very obvious in the song that he has no intention of cutting back on his spending any time soon by boasting about his pricey clothes, fancy automobiles, and private jets.

Although the extravagant lifestyle portrayed in the song may turn off some listeners, there is no doubting that Lil Wayne has a knack for creating memorable hooks and giving riveting performances.

14: Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong

Barrett Strong wrote the song “Money (That’s What I Want)”, which was first released in 1959. The Beatles later recorded the song and it became a breakthrough single for the group in 1963. Since then, numerous other musicians have covered the song, including Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson. The song’s lyrics discuss a person’s hunger for money and material goods. The song has received appreciation for its memorable melody and straightforward yet potent lyrics. A well-known illustration of a song that connects with listeners due to its relevant theme is Money (That’s What I Want). 

13: Make The Money – Macklemore And Ryan Lewis

The song “Make The Money” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is an excellent illustration of how fashion can be used to make a statement. “I know the game, I know the players”, the opening line of the song, quickly establishes the mood for the remainder of the tune.

Macklemore continues by talking about how he was able to establish himself through his personal style and how he has firsthand experience with the power of fashion to shape public opinion. He also makes mention of the fact that some people are prepared to shell out a lot of cash for designer apparel even if they may not actually need it. The main takeaway from Macklemore’s performance is that fashion is more than just what we wear.

12: You Never Give Me Your Money – The Beatles

The English rock group the Beatles recorded the song “You Never Give Me Your Money” and it was released in 1969. It was the first song on the album Abbey Road and was also made available in the US as a single. It was written by Paul McCartney. The song is remarkable for its usage of a variety of musical styles, including rock, blues, and classical music, as well as for its lyrical fusion of hope and sorrow. John Lennon plays a harmonica solo in the first section, which is followed by a Paul McCartney piano solo. A musical counterpoint between Lennon and McCartney may be heard in the middle portion.

11: Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money) – Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys’ “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” is a song that critically critiques the consumerism of 1980s London. It was written and performed by the English synth-pop duo. In 1986, the song was made available as a single, and it was later included on the duo’s debut album, Please. In the UK, “Opportunities” had a moderate amount of success, reaching its highest point at number eleven.

Club DJs and fans of dance music gave the song a lot of attention in the US, but it didn’t make the charts. Critics have praised “Opportunities” as one of the Pet Shop Boys’ best tracks despite its lack of financial success. The synth-pop sound and sardonic lyrics of the song offer a glimpse into popular culture in the 1980s.

10: Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G., an American rapper, released “Mo Money Mo Problems” on June 27, 1997, as the second single from his album Life After Death. One of the most commercially successful singles of 1997, the song featured guest vocals from American R&B group Puff Daddy and R&B singer Mase.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and peaked at number one in a number of other nations, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Notorious B.I.G. uses the catchphrase “mo money mo problems” as a hook to warn listeners about the hazards of materialism in his rap song Mo Money Mo troubles.

9: Take The Money And Run – Steve Miller Band

Few songs about being wealthy are as direct as Steve Miller Band’s “Take the Money and Run”. The song, which peaked at number one on the charts in 1976, is about a man who becomes rich by robbing banks. The man ultimately loses his luck, though, and the cops manage to apprehend him. The song’s lyrics make it obvious that even as he deals with the results of his decisions, the man has no regrets. “Take the Money and Run” is a timeless hymn for individuals who desire success because of its upbeat tune and plain message.

8: Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child

Given that the song’s lyrics talk about being “rich”, one may anticipate that Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills” will be a jubilant anthem about money and extravagant spending. The song is actually a commentary on the financial difficulties that many people, particularly women, experience. The title’s reference to the debts in question refers to a crushing burden that will never be completely repaid. The song’s opening lyrics by Destiny’s Child, “There’s so many bills / I can’t pay my telephone bill,” set the mood.

7: For The Love Of Money – The O’Jays

The O’Jays, from Canton, Ohio, are an American R&B band that was founded in 1958 and featured Eddie Levert on lead vocals, Walter Williams on drums, William Powell on piano, Bobby Massey on guitar, and Bill Isles on bass guitar. Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Anthony Jackson wrote the song “For the Love of Money”, which was also produced by Gamble and Huff.

1973 saw the single’s release on the Philadelphia International label. On the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it reached number three, and on the Hot Soul Singles chart, it peaked at number one. In the UK, the song was similarly popular; it peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart.

6: Rich Girl – Gwen Stafani

For her 2004 debut solo studio album, ‘Love. Angel. Music. Baby.’ American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani recorded the song Rich Girl. Stefani, who co-wrote the song with André 3000 and contributed vocals, was inspired by her own privileged childhood to sing about a wealthy girlfriend’s burdensome lifestyle and material goods.

The lyrics also include references to classism and feminism. Music critics praised Rich Girl at the time of its release for its ties to popular culture and its themes of consumption and riches. While some reviews praised it as an immediate classic, others criticised Stefani for sounding as if she was “trying too hard.”

5: Rich Girl – Hall & Oates

In 1977, Hall & Oates released the song Rich Girl. A wealthy girl who doesn’t require anything from anyone is the subject of the song. Despite having everything she could ever desire, she is still unhappy. The song emphasises on how money is meaningless and cannot provide happiness. Additionally, it encourages the viewpoint that genuine love is more significant than financial possessions.

When it was first released, Rich Girl was a major smash and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over the years, several artists have covered the song, including Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, and John Mayer. Rich Girl has drawn criticism for its materialistic message and promotion of flimsy morals in spite of its popularity. 

4: Rich – Maren Morris

Maren Morris wrote the song “Rich” on the challenges of wealth. The lyrics discuss the difficulties of keeping up with the Joneses and the pressure to maintain a rich lifestyle. The question of whether happiness can be purchased is also covered in the song. Even though the song’s lyrics criticise some elements of riches, they also acknowledge its advantages. In the end, the song is a meditation on the complicated connection between wealth and contentment.

3: Money Changes Everything – Cyndi Lauper

The song Money Changes Everything is about the ability of wealth to change everything. The song, which was written by Tom Grey and made popular by Cyndi Lauper, was first made available in 1983. The lyrics describe a woman who is struggling to make ends meet and how winning the jackpot completely transforms her life.

Her newly acquired wealth initially makes her happy, but gradually she comes to the conclusion that money cannot buy happiness. The song explores the common human experience of yearning for something we think will bring us happiness but then discovering that it falls short of our expectations. 

2: Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles

The Beatles’ song Can’t Buy Me Love discusses the value of money. The narrator of the song laments that he cannot buy love with money. But he also admits that he can buy the things he wants with money. He nonetheless comes to the conclusion that love cannot be purchased with money. This conveys a strong message about the value of love over material things.

The song is frequently recognised as one of The Beatles’ best songs since it has struck a chord with so many listeners. The song’s clear message is that happiness and love cannot be purchased with money. Regardless of one’s riches, everyone can benefit from learning this lesson. Although money may be able to purchase some items, it cannot purchase what is truly important in life.

1: Money, Money, Money – ABBA

Money, money, money. It’s the source of all evil and the topic of one of the most well-known songs ever. The ABBA song “Money, Money, Money” is a catchy tune that pokes fun at the idea of money. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who is sick of toiling away to earn money and fantasises about what she may be able to accomplish if she had enough. The song relates to our shared yearning for wealth and serves as a gentle reminder that pleasure is not always a product of material wealth. Even so, the song is enjoyable to sing along to and guaranteed to make you grin.  You could even feel motivated to begin pursuing your own financial objectives!

28 Best Songs About Being Rich – Closing remarks and thoughts

We have encountered a mesmerising tapestry of grandeur, pleasure, and aspiration during our aural journey across the world of songs about wealth. These songs may only exist in our thoughts, but their strength comes in their capacity to take us to a place where excess is the norm and luxury has no bounds.

These imaginary works have given us the grandness of soaring melodies and contagious rhythms, allowing us to momentarily escape into a world where champagne runs like rivers and diamonds shine in every corner. By exposing the fancies and ambitions that frequently go along with the chase of riches, they have given us an insight into the appeal of success.

These songs have, however, also addressed the challenges and ambiguities of riches below the surface glamour. In the middle of the trappings of luxury, they have served as a reminder of the inherent isolation that may come with good fortune and the actual worth of human connection. Themes of greed have been examined, serving as a reminder that worldly items alone cannot provide contentment or fulfilment over the long term.

Additionally, these songs have reflected society’s preoccupation with the idea of wealth. They have opened a window into the goals and wishes of the entire population, shedding light on the complex relationship we have with money and the attraction it has over our imaginations.

As our musical journey comes to a close, it’s critical to understand that while the pull of wealth may capture our fantasies, real richness resides beyond worldly goods. It can be found in the depth of one’s own growth, the variety of experiences, and the richness of relationships. These immeasurable treasures are worth far more than any money could buy and can give a sense of permanent fulfilment that transcends the transient joys of luxury.

Closing Remarks:

Let us thus take these lessons from these songs about wealth with us when the last notes of our imaginative works fade away. While keeping in mind that genuine prosperity cannot be found in the accumulation of goods but rather in the richness of our own humanity, let us appreciate the dreams they arouse. May we endeavour to live abundant, meaningful lives that are fueled by love as we say goodbye to this musical voyage, regardless of the size of our bank accounts.

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