Songs about cash have been round most likely ever since cash has been round. In spite of everything, few issues encourage emotion like cash. Whether or not it’s lamenting not having any, feeling overwhelmed by having an excessive amount of, or another state of affairs altogether, it’s been a ripe subject for songwriters via the years. Some suppose it’s the foundation of all evil. Some suppose it’s the one factor that issues. No matter your take, these are just some of the most effective songs ever written about cash.
The Beatles – Taxman
The Beatles’ “Taxman” was written by George Harrison and John Lennon, with the intent of protesting the UK’s progressive taxes. Regardless of the band’s immense success all through the 60s, Harrison had found they had been all at excessive threat of chapter. “‘Taxman’ was when I first realized that even though we had started earning money, we were actually giving most of it away in taxes; it was and still is typical,” he wrote in his autobiography.
Pink Floyd – Cash
Showing on their critically-acclaimed 1973 album, The Darkish Aspect of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s “Money” reached No.13 on Billboard’s Scorching 100 chart. “Money interested me enormously,” Roger Waters as soon as shared. “I remember thinking, ‘Well, this is it and I have to decide whether I’m really a socialist or not.’ I’m still keen on a general welfare society, but I became a capitalist. You have to accept it. I remember coveting a Bentley like crazy. The only way to get something like that was through rock or the football pools. I very much wanted all that material stuff.”
AC/DC – Moneytalks
“Moneytalks” by rock band AC/DC was launched as a single in December 1990. It was the group’s largest hit since 1981’s “Back in Black” and stays their highest charting track so far. The UK single art work options the face of band member Angus Younger on a forex invoice, which had been later dubbed “Angus Bucks” and dropped on audiences at stay reveals.
Pet Store Boys – Alternatives (Let’s Make A lot of Cash)
A single in 1985 from their debut album, Please, Pet Store Boys’ “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” is informed from the attitude of a person who’s attempting to persuade one other particular person to hitch a monetary scheme. The track was additionally utilized in a February 2021 Tremendous Bowl advert, which despatched it to No.1 on Billboard’s Dance/Digital Digital Songs chart.
Cyndi Lauper – Cash Adjustments All the pieces
Initially launched in 1978 by rock band The Brains, Cyndi Lauper recorded the track “Money Changes Everything” for her debut album, She’s So Uncommon, in 1983. (It was formally launched as a single the next yr.) In 2005, Lauper additionally launched an acoustic model of the track, which featured vocals from Taking Again Sunday’s Adam Lazzara.
Dire Straits – Cash for Nothing
“Money for Nothing” by British rock band Dire Straits was written about two males who’re giving commentary on music movies they watch. What many may not know, is that Sting additionally supplied backing vocals on the monitor. They carried out it stay collectively at Reside Help in July 1985, with the track topping Billboard’s Scorching 100 for 3 weeks.
Corridor and Oates – Wealthy Lady
Whereas “Rich Girl” turned the primary No.1 single for duo Corridor and Oates in 1977, the track isn’t a couple of woman in any respect. Initially believed to be impressed by heiress Patty Hearst, Daryl Corridor truly wrote it a couple of rich ex-boyfriend of his then-girlfriend, Sara Allen. “‘Rich Girl’ was written about an old boyfriend of Sara [Allen]’s from college that she was still friends with at the time,” Corridor informed American Songwriter. “His name is Victor Walker. He came to our apartment, and he was acting sort of strange. His father was quite rich. I think he was involved with some kind of a fast-food chain. I said, ‘This guy is out of his mind, but he doesn’t have to worry about it because his father’s gonna bail him out of any problems he gets in.’ So I sat down and wrote that chorus. ‘He can rely on the old man’s money / he can rely on the old man’s money / he’s a rich guy.’ I thought that didn’t sound right, so I changed it to ‘Rich Girl.’ He knows the song was written about him.”
The O’Jays – For the Love of Cash
“For the Love of Money” was launched by The O’Jays as a single in 1973, from their album Ship Ahoy. Peaking at No.3 on Billboard’s R&B chart, the track pulled its title’s inspiration from a Bible verse, which states that cash is “the root of all evil.” It has maintained its recognition via the years, most notably because the theme track for the TV present The Apprentice.
Ray Charles – Busted
Initially written by Harlan Howard in 1962, nation singer-songwriter Johnny Money launched a rendition of “Busted” in 1963. That very same yr, Ray Charles shared his common model as nicely. The track is a couple of farmer who’s struggling to supply for his household, after his brother refuses to assist him financially.
Patti Smith – Free Cash
A rock track co-written by Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye, “Free Money” seems on Smith’s 1975 debut studio album, Horses. “It’s really a song for my mom,” Smith informed The Guardian in 2005. “She always dreamed about winning the lottery. But she never bought a lottery ticket! She would just imagine if she won, make lists of things she would do with the money – a house by the sea for us kids, then all kinds of charitable things.”
Randy Newman – It’s Cash That Issues
Randy Newman’s 1988 album, Land of Goals, featured the hit track, “It’s Money That Matters.” It was Newman’s solely No.1 hit (on any chart), after it spent two weeks atop the Mainstream Rock Chart and No.60 general. The track additionally options Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler enjoying the guitar.
ABBA – Cash, Cash, Cash
ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money” was the band’s second single from Arrival in 1976. Within the ABBA-inspired movie Mamma Mia!, Meryl Streep’s character Donna performs it about maintaining her enterprise open. ABBA’s music video for the track, in the meantime, was impressed by the film model of the musical Cabaret.
Billy Joel – Simple Cash
“Easy Money” by Billy Joel is the opening monitor on his 1983 album, An Harmless Man. Joel has mentioned that it’s supposed to be a tribute to James Brown and Wilson Pickett. The track was additionally the theme track for Rodney Dangerfield’s comedy of the identical identify.
Madonna – Materials Lady
Madonna’s “Material Girl” turned a large stumble on its launch in 1984. Nonetheless, the track is equally identified for the music video, which discovered Madonna recreating Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” efficiency from the movie Gents Desire Blondes. Over the many years, it has maintained its recognition, showing in movies like Moulin Rouge! and reveals like Stranger Issues.
Infamous BIG feat. Puff Daddy and Mase – Mo Cash, Mo Issues
Infamous BIG’s “Mo Money, Mo Problems” is a collaboration that includes Puff Daddy and Mase, which served because the second single from Biggie’s remaining album. The monitor each samples and interpolates Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.” Launched posthumously, it turned a large hit, making him the one artist to have two No.1 songs following his passing.
Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars – Billionaire
In 2009, Travie McCoy teamed up with Bruno Mars on the money-driven anthem, “Billionaire.” Mars had considered the lyrics, after he realized his funds had been tight on a piece journey. “We were like, ‘Is this the biggest mistake we’ve ever made? We thought we were broke in California; what are we going to do here?’” Mars mentioned. “So we’ve got no money, and I’m walking the streets and came up with, ‘I wanna be a billionaire, so frickin’ bad.’”
Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – Gold Digger
“Gold Digger” by Kanye West was initially supposed to be recorded by Shawnna for her debut album, however was ultimately handed to West. Sampling Ray Charles (as carried out by Jamie Foxx), the track tells the story of a lady chasing cash. The hit was ultimately nominated for Document of the Yr on the 2006 Grammy Awards.
The Flying Lizards – Cash (That’s What I Need)
British new wave band The Flying Lizards launched their cowl of Barrett Sturdy’s “Money (That’s What I Want)” in 1979. The band carried out it on BBC’s Prime of the Pops. Nonetheless, most may acknowledge the track from the movie soundtracks of The Wedding ceremony Singer, Charlie’s Angels, and Empire Information.
The Wu-Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M.
The Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” means, amongst different issues, “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.” It was produced by RZA for the group’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and samples Charmels’ “As Long As I Got You.” Whereas it wasn’t a high-charting hit, the track is likely one of the most influential tunes the group ever wrote.
Jennifer Lopez – Love Don’t Price a Factor
Jennifer Lopez’s “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” was launched in 2000, because the lead single from her second album. Because the track detailed a dislike for a materialistic accomplice, many had speculated it was about Lopez’s then-boyfriend, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. Both approach, the pair ultimately break up, and Lopez briefly married a backup dancer that she met on the set of this track’s music video.
Puff Daddy & The Household – It’s All Concerning the Benjamins
“It’s All About the Benjamins” by Puff Daddy & The Household seems on Puff’s debut studio album. The unique track options Missy Elliott on vocals, with the remix including new verses from Lil’ Kim and The Infamous B.I.G.. Puff additionally ultimately made a rap rock hybrid model of the track, with appearances by Rob Zombie and Dave Grohl, amongst others.
Gwen Stefani – Wealthy Lady
Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl” is a 2004 collaboration with Eve produced by Dr. Dre. Dre was the one which satisfied Stefani to interpolate a part of the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The reggae-influenced monitor peaked at No.7 on Billboard’s Scorching 100, and was nominated for Finest Rap/Sung Collaboration on the forty eighth annual Grammy Awards in 2006.
Kenny Rogers – The Gambler
Initially written by Don Schlitz, nation singer-songwriter Kenny Rogers recorded a model of “The Gambler” in 1978. Though it had been beforehand coated by Johnny Money, Rogers’ take turned essentially the most commercially profitable model. It reached No.1 on nation charts, profitable Rogers a Grammy for Finest Male Nation Vocal Efficiency in 1980.
Jessie J – Worth Tag
“Price Tag” by Jessie J was the second single from her debut album. It debuted at No.1 within the UK. “It’s not me saying that you can live for free, because obviously that isn’t the case,” she as soon as mentioned in regards to the track. “But I’m saying that you don’t always have to let it be about that. It isn’t always about how much your shoes cost. It’s about the fact that you even have a pair of shoes to walk in.”
Bob Seger – U.M.C. (Higher Center Class)
Although launched previous to his business breakthrough with 1976’s Evening Strikes, Bob Seger’s seventh studio album Seven featured long-term fan favorites comparable to “Get Out Of Denver” and the swaggering “U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class).” Arguably the report’s apogee, the hard-hitting latter track takes a swipe at wealthy, upwardly cellular people (“I want an air conditioner/A cottage on the river and all the money I can see.”) Seger’s lyric feels barely ambiguous, however whether or not “U.M.C.” helps or derides such an aspirational way of life, it’s definitely of nice worth for the listener.
Loggins and Messina – Danny’s Tune
Loggins and Messina’s “Danny’s Song” was written by Kenny Loggins, in honor of the start of his brother Danny’s son. Its key lyric? “And even though we ain’t got money/I’m so in love with you, honey.” The track appeared on the debut album by the duo, with Loggins and Jim Messina releasing it in 1971. The next yr, nation singer-songwriter Anne Murray recorded a canopy model, incomes her a Grammy nomination for Finest Feminine Pop Vocal efficiency in 1974.
Kendrick Lamar – Cash Timber
Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” is the fifth monitor from his debut album via a significant label, 2012’s Good Child, M.A.A.D Metropolis. The track options Jay Rock as a visitor and was produced by DJ Dahi. It tells the story of Lamar’s life in Compton, California. In 2013, director Taj Stansberry shared {that a} music video had been began for the track, though it has by no means been launched.
Woman Gaga – Cash Honey
“Money Honey” by pop star Woman Gaga was initially solely supposed to seem on the Canadian model of her album The Fame, however ended up making the worldwide tracklist. Launched formally in 2008, it’s a commentary in regards to the divide between love and materialism.
5 Seconds of Summer season – Cash
Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer season launched “Money” because the third single from their sophomore album, Sounds Good Feels Good. The track is about falling so arduous for somebody you’d give something, even cash. In accordance with the band’s social media, it was additionally written with Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers.
50 Cent – I Get Cash
50 Cent’s “I Get Money” is the third single off his third album, Curtis, and made No.14 of Rolling Stone’s Finest Songs of 2007 listing. The track has a protracted listing of admirers: Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Lil’ Kim, and Ludacris have all recorded variations of the track.
Lil Wayne – Cash On My Thoughts
“Money On My Mind” by Lil Wayne was launched in December 2005, as monitor three on Tha Carter II. Produced by DJ Nasty & LVM and The Runners, Lil Wayne raps in regards to the significance of wealth and girls, notably within the refrain. It additionally doubles as a reference to Infamous B.I.G’s track “Get Money.”
Bone Thugs-N-Concord – 1st of Tha Month
Bone Thugs-N-Concord launched “1st of tha Month” as the primary single from their sophomore album, E. 1999 Everlasting. It marked the band’s first Prime 20 single, was licensed Gold for promoting over 500,000 copies, and acquired a Grammy nomination in 1996. Lyrically, the track references the day that welfare checks are mailed.
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