19 Best Songs About Money (Making, Spending, & Living With Wealth)

Money makes the world go ’round.

But money is also the root of all evil. And it doesn’t buy you happiness.

Enough cliches.

There are more of those sayings about money than anything else. Except maybe love.

It comes as no surprise, then, that there are also countless songs about money.

About having it, wanting it, making it, spending it, and every other aspect of wealth.

As expected, most of those songs are not great. But many are, especially the ones below. Keep reading for the best songs about money ever written. Yes, that is definitely subjective.

 

Best Songs About Money

We tried to include songs about money from as many different genres as possible, but some are definitely less represented than others. As always, we welcome any additional suggestions. Simply drop a comment below. If possible, without insulting me.

 

Money, Money, Money by ABBA

ABBA’s classic song became famous for its tune and lyrics and inspired many other songs as well. The singer laments the fact that she works so hard but still has no money left at the end of the month. She dreams of finding herself a rich man so she can relax since it is always “sunny and funny” in a rich man’s world.

 

Ka-Ching! by Shania Twain

In Ka-Ching! Shania Twain laments the fact that we live in a “greedy little world”. It is a world that teaches every little boy and girl to earn, earn, and spend, spend, spend.

We have also created a credit card mess where we spend money that we don’t possess. The sound of money may be alluring, but it also sets a debt trap.

 

Money For Nothing by Dire Straits Ft. Sting

Sting and Dire Straits performed Money for Nothing at London’s Wembley Stadium for Live Aid. Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organized the event to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine. Almost 40% of the global population watched the event after it aired, and nearly 72,000 people attended the event live.

Money for Nothing talks about the unfairness of society, where workers work hard and get nothing while the rich get richer and more successful without doing much.

 

Gold Digger by Kanye West Ft. Jamie Foxx

Gold Digger by Kanye West, featuring Jamie Foxx, was released in 2005 for West’s 2nd studio album, Late Registration. The singer laments opportunistic relationships and materialism and talks about a woman who pursues romantic interests for financial gain rather than genuine love. Gold Digger became an instant hit for its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody.

 

For The Love Of Money by The O’ Jays

The title of the song For The Love of Money by The O’Jays is taken from the biblical verse “for the love of money is the root of all evil.” For The Love of Money is a single from The O’Jays 1973 album Ship Ahoy.

The singers talk about the evils of accumulating money and how people even go against their families to acquire it and end up stealing from their loved ones. In short: money often makes people do bad things and is the root of all evil.

 

Can’t Buy Me Love by The Beatles

The Beatles released Can’t Buy Me Love as a single in 1964 and later included it on their album A Hard Day’s Night. The song’s lyrics convey the message that love and genuine affection cannot be acquired with money or material possessions. It also stresses the fact that the most valuable things in life, such as love and companionship, are not commodities that can be bought.

 

Mo Money, Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G Ft. Mase & Puff Daddy

Mo Money, Mo Problems was released in 1997 as part of the album Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G., featuring Mase and Puff Daddy (also known as P. Diddy). It is one of the most famous rap songs about money.

The song addresses the complex relationship between fame, wealth, and happiness. Sure, money can help one live a lavish lifestyle on sailboats and airplanes, but it also brings many challenges.

The song highlights the fact that financial abundance does not necessarily lead to a worry-free life. It reiterates the fact that money often brings unexpected difficulties and stress.

 

Material Girl by Madonna

Material Girl by Madonna was released in 1985 for her album Like a Virgin. The singer describes herself as a material girl who values money and desires expensive jewelry and a luxurious lifestyle. At the same time, she is looking for genuine love and deep, meaningful relationships.

The song’s music video portrays Madonna as a woman running after rich men who give her diamonds, but she eventually ends up falling for a simple man who can only buy her flowers. The kind of man the artists featured in our list of songs about a good man sing about.

 

Money by Pink Floyd

Money by Pink Floyd talks about how money can have a negative impact on people’s lives, causing stress and changing their behavior. Its lyrics talk about the greed and problems that come with having a lot of money.

Money is from Pink Floyd’s album The Dark Side of the Moon, released in 1973. It became one of Pink Floyd’s most famous songs and reached high positions on most music charts around the world. Money is known for its catchy bass riff and its message about the downsides of valuing money too much.

 

Bills, Bills, Bills by Destiny’s Child

Bills, Bills, Bills by Destiny’s Child is about a woman telling her partner to start paying his fair share of the bills and expenses in their relationship. The song is from Destiny’s Child’s album The Writing’s on the Wall.

The track was a big hit, reaching the top position on various music charts. It’s known for its catchy R&B melody and the way it talks about the challenges of money and relationships.

 

Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) by Simply Red

Money’s Too Tight (to Mention) was originally written and recorded by The Valentine Brothers in 1982. Simply Red included the track in their album Picture Book, released in 1985.

It resonated with people around the world for its relatable message about money troubles during tough times. It went on to reach number 13 on the UK Top Charts, and its success established Simply Red as a notable band in the 1980s British music scene.

The song is about the singer’s struggles with financial difficulties and how hard he finds it to make ends meet. He also talks about how prices are rising, jobs are scarce, and people are feeling the pressure of not having enough money.

 

Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money) by Pet Shop Boys

The song Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) by Pet Shop Boys is from their 1986 album Please. It is about wanting to make a lot of money and taking advantage of various opportunities to become successful.

The lyrics talk about the singer’s desire to improve his life and gain financial security. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys wrote the song based on the characters played by Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy.

The track’s catchy electronic beat and playful lyrics made it a popular hit, especially in the dance and pop music scenes of the 1980s.

 

Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani Ft. Eve

Gwen Stefani’s Rich Girl (from her debut solo album Love. Angel) talks about a girl dreaming of being rich. She says she will buy huge mansions in Hollywood and London, and she’ll never want for anything, because money will give her everything she wants.

However, she also laments the fact that she would still need love, which all the riches in the world would not be able to give her.

 

Love Don’t Cost A Thing by Jennifer Lopez

Love Don’t Cost a Thing is a mesmerizing track from Jennifer Lopez’s second studio album, J.Lo (2001). The singer talks about her love not costing a dime and that she doesn’t need her boyfriend’s money, gifts, or materialistic things as much as she needs him.

The timeless song has a beautiful video and, J. Lo fans consider it one of her best dance tracks.

 

Keep Your Eye On The Money by Mötley Crüe

Keep Your Eye on The Money by Mötley Crüe is about being cautious and not letting money control your life. The track is from Mötley Crüe’s album Dr. Feelgood, released in 1989.

The lyrics talk about how money can be tempting and can lead people astray, but it is important to stay focused on what truly matters. It is also a reminder to stay grounded and not let “chicks or dealers of any kind” blind you to important things.

 

I Get Money by 50 Cent

I Get Money is from 50 Cent’s album Curtis, released in 2007. 50 Cent raps about how he’s made a lot of money through his music career and various ventures.

He talks about the fancy things he owns and how he’s risen from a tough background. In short: the song is all about showing off the singer’s financial achievements and celebrating his rise to fame and fortune.

 

I Need A Dollar by Aloe Blacc

I Need a Dollar is from Aloe Blacc’s album Good Things, released in 2010. It touches on the theme of economic hardship and the desire for a better future. The singer is struggling with financial difficulties and faces challenges finding work and making a living.

 

Money On My Mind by Sam Smith

Money on My Mind is from Sam Smith’s 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour. It gained attention for its soulful sound – especially its chorus and its message about prioritizing relationships and emotions over financial matters.

The track reiterates the fact that there are more important things in life than just money. It also expresses a desire to remain true to oneself rather than be consumed by the pursuit of money.

 

Just Got Paid by *NSYNC

Just Got Paid is a song by the popular boy band *NSYNC. It talks about the excitement and happiness of getting paid after working hard. The singers describe going out to have fun on Friday night and being able to enjoy life now that they have money in their pockets.

The song is from the band’s debut album, *NSYNC, released in 1997. Its upbeat and energetic vibe made it popular worldwide and showcased the group’s youthful and carefree spirit.

 

Songs About Making Money: Final Thoughts

There you have it. The absolute best songs about money every written, according to me. Obviously, you will probably have a slightly different list. Or a completely different list.

I’m always looking for more suggestions, especially in genres that are underrepresented here. If you have some more great songs about money, please feel free to let me know in a comment below. As always, I appreciate anyone who can disagree without insulting me…