People listen to songs about money for a variety of reasons. Some may be drawn to the idea of wealth and success, and see money as a symbol of achievement and status. Others may be interested in the social and cultural messages that money carries, and the impact it has on our relationships and interactions with others.
Songs about money may serve as a form of escapism or wish fulfillment, allowing listeners to imagine what it would be like to have financial freedom and security. these songs may reflect their own experiences of struggling to make ends meet or striving to achieve financial independence.
From a musical perspective, songs about money can be catchy and energetic, with memorable hooks and beats that make them appealing to a wide audience.
Here, in this article we bring some songs about money which incorporate elements of hip-hop, which has long been associated with the themes of money, power, and success.
1. Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars – “Billionaire”
“Billionaire” is a song by American rapper Travie McCoy, featuring vocals from singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. The song was released in 2010 as the lead single from McCoy’s debut solo album, “Lazarus.”
Lyrically, “Billionaire” is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the idea of becoming wealthy and successful. The song’s lyrics describe McCoy and Mars’ fantasies of living the high life, with lyrics like “I wanna be a billionaire so frickin’ bad, buy all of the things I never had.” However, the song also has a deeper message about the importance of pursuing your dreams and working hard to achieve your goals.
2. Hall and Oates – “Rich Girl”
“Rich Girl” is a song by the American rock duo Hall & Oates, which was released in 1977 as the lead single from their album “Bigger Than Both of Us.” The song was written by Daryl Hall, the group’s lead vocalist, and originally inspired by an ex-boyfriend of his girlfriend at the time who came from a wealthy family.
Lyrically, “Rich Girl” is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of wealth and privilege. The song’s lyrics describe a wealthy woman who has everything she wants but is still unhappy and lonely. Hall sings, “You can rely on the old man’s money, you can rely on the old man’s money, it’s a bitch girl but it’s gone too far, ’cause you know it don’t matter anyway.”
3. Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch – “Money”
“Money” is a song by British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka in collaboration with musician Tom Misch. The song was released in 2019 as part of Kiwanuka’s third studio album “Kiwanuka.”
Lyrically, “Money” explores the relationship between wealth, power, and personal identity. The song’s lyrics describe the allure of money and the impact it can have on our lives, with lines like “Money, it comes and goes, but you know it won’t change me.” However, the song also acknowledges the limitations of money in bringing true happiness and fulfillment, with Kiwanuka singing, “Money can’t buy me love, love, love.”
4. Cyndi Lauper – “Money Changes Everything”
“Money Changes Everything” is a song by American singer Cyndi Lauper, which was released as the third single from her debut album “She’s So Unusual” in 1984. The song was written by Tom Gray, the lead vocalist of the band The Brains, and was originally recorded by The Brains in 1980.
Lyrically, “Money Changes Everything” explores the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who becomes increasingly distant from her lover as she gains wealth and success, with lines like “I said money, money changes everything, I said money, money changes everything.”
5. Ariana Grande – “7 Rings”
“7 Rings” is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, which was released as the second single from her fifth studio album “Thank U, Next” in 2019. The song was co-written by Grande, along with a team of other songwriters including Tayla Parx, Njomza Vitia, and Victoria Monét.
Lyrically, “7 Rings” is an ode to female empowerment and the joys of wealth and material possessions. The song’s lyrics describe Grande and her friends indulging in luxury goods, with lines like “Lashes and diamonds, ATM machines, buy myself all of my favorite things.” The song also explores Grande’s relationship with money and how it has helped her overcome personal struggles, with lines like “Been through some bad shit, I should be a sad bitch, who woulda thought it’d turn me to a savage?”
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6. Jet – “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”
“Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” is a song by Australian rock band Jet, which was released as the second single from their second studio album “Shine On” in 2006. The song was written by the band’s members, Nic Cester and Chris Cester.
Lyrically, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” is a call to action, urging listeners to back up their words with action. The song’s lyrics describe the need for people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for their convictions, with lines like “Put your money where your mouth is, get up, let’s get this party started.”
7. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Make the Money”
“Make the Money” is a song by American hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, which was released as a single in 2011. The song was written by Macklemore and produced by Ryan Lewis.
Lyrically, “Make the Money” is a reflection on the pursuit of wealth and success in the music industry. The song’s lyrics describe Macklemore’s journey from struggling independent artist to mainstream success, with lines like “Started independent, ended up with mainstream success, I’m living my dreams now, it’s better than it seemed, look at what I’ve achieved now, got what I needed, but not what I wanted.”
8. Galantis – “No Money”
“No Money” is a song by Swedish electronic dance music duo Galantis. It was released as a single in 2016 and is included on their second studio album “The Aviary”. The song was written by Galantis members Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklöw, along with songwriters Jimmy “Svidden” Koitzsch and Henrik Jonback.
Lyrically, “No Money” is a lighthearted and fun song about the joys of living life without financial worries. The song’s lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures in life, with lines like “I don’t need no money, as long as I can feel the beat” and “All I need are keys and guitars, and guess what, in 30 seconds I’m leaving to Mars.”
9. Patti Smith – “Free Money”
“Free Money” is a song by American singer-songwriter Patti Smith, released in 1975 on her debut album “Horses”. The song was written by Smith and her longtime collaborator, guitarist Lenny Kaye.
Lyrically, “Free Money” is a political and social commentary on the American dream and the pursuit of wealth. The song’s lyrics describe the desire for financial security and the struggle to make ends meet, with lines like “Every night before I sleep, I thank the lord and count my sheep, I multiply my assets, I’m in too deep” and “Every night you chase that dime, you feel like you’re running out of time, but what good is money, unless it buys you happiness?”
10. Lana Del Rey – “Million Dollar Man”
“Million Dollar Man” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released on her 2012 album “Born to Die”. The song was written by Del Rey and Chris Braide.
Lyrically, “Million Dollar Man” is a love song that explores the themes of wealth, power, and materialism. The song’s lyrics describe a complicated relationship with a wealthy, powerful man, with lines like “You’re screwed up and brilliant, look like a million dollar man, so why is my heart broke?” and “You said I was the most exotic flower, holding me tight in our final hour.”
Conclusion
Songs about money have been a popular theme in music for many decades, with artists exploring a wide range of perspectives and emotions related to wealth, power, and materialism. From the desire for financial security to the pitfalls of greed and excess, songs about money have provided a powerful and relatable soundtrack to people’s lives.