Like it or not, money makes the world go round.

And although it shouldn’t be the most important thing in someone’s life, money certainly brings freedom and security.

So, its importance and meaning really depend on the person.

However, it’s clear that money has a lot of influence on music, and many songs are inspired by the almighty green paper.

We’ve created a list of the 30 best songs about money.

We included songs from various artists and genres, from hip-hop classics to pop hits and movie soundtracks.

1. ABBA – “Money, Money, Money”

As we’ve already mentioned, money represents different things for different people.

For the main character of the 1976 classic hit by ABBA, money means a route to absolute happiness.

In the song, the woman dreams about marrying a wealthy man or winning a fortune in a game.

“Money, Money, Money” is probably one of the most popular songs about money. Due to ABBA’s uplifting melodies and timeless charm, that comes as no surprise.

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

2. Pink Floyd – “Money”

The iconic ‘ka-ching’ at the beginning of Pink Floyd’s “Money” will instantly put you in the mood of earning money.

Or, it will make you sit back and enjoy this musical masterpiece.

And if you pay attention to the lyrics, you’ll realize the song actually tackles the negative side of money. Well, that is to be expected from a band such as Pink Floyd.

“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.”

3. Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars – “Billionaire”

Unlike Pink Floyd’s “Money”, “Billionaire” is one of the songs about making money that is made for relaxed daydreaming about being rich.

That’s exactly what Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars do in this song – they are naming all the things they would do if they were billionaires.

Most importantly, it’s the song where we all first noticed Bruno Mars.

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

4. Dire Straits – “Money For Nothing”

“Money For Nothing” was released on Dire Straits’ fifth studio album “Brothers in Arms“ in 1985.

With Sting singing the back vocals, it’s one of the band’s most successful songs, and it can still be heard on the radio.

In a nutshell, it’s a song about a guy working in an appliance store and making comments while watching MTV.

In fact, Mark Knopfler started to write the song while he was in the actual store.

“Bangin’ on the bongos like a chimpanzee
That ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it
Get your money for nothin’, get your chicks for free.”

5. The Beatles – “Can’t Buy Me Love”

This timeless hit by The Beatles is one of the songs about money that will remind you that money isn’t everything.

In the song, the narrator talks to a girl and promises to buy her whatever she wants but also hopes that she doesn’t care about material possessions.

And as a fun fact, “Can’t Buy Me Love” also carries many ‘firsts’ – it was one of the first pop songs to start with the chorus and the first Beatles single with lead vocals of only one group member.

“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.”

See also: Best Beatles Songs

6. Hall and Oates – “Rich Girl”

“You’re a rich girl, and you’ve gone too far
Cause you know it don’t matter anyway
You can rely on the old man’s money.”

Although this song seems like it was written about a spoiled rich girl, it’s actually about a man. About Daryl Hall’s ex-girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, to be exact.

The girl’s name was Sara Allen, and her ex-boyfriend had a rich father owning a fast-food chain.

Either way, “Rich Girl” brought Hall and Oates a lot of success and became their first number-one single on The Billboard Hot 100.

7. Gwen Stefani – “Rich Girl”

Another song named “Rich Girl”, of a slightly different music genre is the 2004 hit by Gwen Stefani.

And there’s no doubt (pun intended) that “Rich Girl” made Gwen Stefani quite rich – the song was a commercial success and it reached the top 10 in most of the charts.

And when it comes to the story of the song, it’s about dreaming of becoming rich.

“Think what that money could bring
I’d buy everything
Clean out Vivienne Westwood
In my Galliano gown.”

8. Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch – “Money”

“Money” by the unexpected but amazing duo Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch is a catchy, disco-influenced song released in 2019.

At first “Money” seems like an easy tune about spending money, but it’s actually about the dangerous side of wanting to earn more money.

“I could buy an aeroplane
Fly you all around the world
I’m spending without feeling ashamed
Spending, ’cause I’m all alone.”

9. Kelis – “Millionaire”

Released in 2003, “Millionaire” by Kelis and André 3000 peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart.

Despite that, the song didn’t become a universal hit like “Milkshake”.

However, it’s a tune that’s very easy to listen to, and it’s definitely one of the underestimated R&B songs about money.

10. Cyndi Lauper – “Money Changes Everything”

“We swore each other everlasting love
She said, well yeah, I know, but when we did
There was one thing we weren’t really thinking of and that’s money.”

“Money Changes Everything” was released on Cyndi Lauper’s debut album in 1983.

Unlike many songs about money, this track talks about a girl who is ready to leave her man for someone richer.

11. Ariana Grande – “7 Rings”

“Whoever said money can’t solve your problems
Must not have had enough money to solve ’em.”

“7 Rings” by Ariana Grande is one of the popular songs about being rich that glorifies money and its power.

And that’s usually how money is portrayed in the R&B and hip-hop genre.

On the other hand, “7 Rings” also talks about strong, independent women. To some extent, it’s a celebration of femininity, freedom, and empowerment.

12. Jet – “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”

Jet’s track from their second album “Shine On” uses the common phrase ‘Put your money where your mouth is’ to express their ideas.

It’s a good phrase though, as it’s important to put words into action.

“She’s a loaded gun
In my shaking hand
Am I in hell
Or the promise land?”

13. AC/DC – “Moneytalks”

If you’re searching for rock songs about money, we have another one for you.

AC/DC released “Moneytalks” on their album “The Razors Edge” in 1990.

Although the lyrics suggest that it’s a song about money and a luxurious lifestyle, it’s actually the band’s commentary on the people who flaunt their wealth.

“Tailored suits, chauffeured cars
Fine hotels and big cigars
Up for grabs, up for a price
Where the red hot girls keep on dancing through the night.“

14. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Make the Money”

Macklemore is known for including social commentary in his music, and “Make the Money” definitely has smart remarks about money.

The song was released on the acclaimed studio album “The Heist” in 2012.

“Make the money, don’t let the money make you
Change the game, don’t let the game change you.“

15. Galantis – “No Money”

“No Money” by the Swedish DJ duo Galantis is an uplifting, electronic track released in 2016.

The song quickly became a popular hit, and it’s still regularly heard on the radio and in clubs.

“Sorry I ain’t got no money I’m not trying to be funny
But I left it all at home today
You can call me what you wanna I ain’t giving you a dollar
This time I ain’t gonna run away.”

16. Rihanna – “Bitch Better Have My Money”

One of the most distinctive popular songs about money of the past decade is “Bitch Better Have My Money.”

Although it received mixed reviews after it was released in 2015, the song rocked the charts and reached the top 10 in eight countries.

And the official music video featuring Mads Mikkelsen makes the song even more interesting and unforgettable.

17. Wu-Tang Clan – “C.R.E.A.M.”

‘C.R.E.A.M.’ in the Wu-Tang Clan’s hip-hop classic stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me.

Many rap songs about dollars express similar thoughts, but Wu-Tang Clan’s hit managed to stand out.

And even after more than twenty years of its release, “C.R.E.A.M.” remains the inspiration for hip-hop artists around the world.

“A man with a dream with plans to make cream
Which failed; I went to jail at the age of 15
A young buck sellin’ drugs and such, who never had much
Tryin’ to get a clutch at what I could not touch.”

18. Patti Smith – “Free Money”

The great Patti Smith grew up in a household that struggled financially.

And her track “Free Money” was inspired by her mom who was dreaming about winning the lottery.

The song was first released on Patti Smith’s album “Horses“ in 1975.

“Every night before I go to sleep
Find a ticket, win a lottery
Scoop the pearls up from the sea
Cash them in and buy you all the things you need.”

19. Aloe Blacc – “I Need a Dollar”

Here comes one of the most catchy songs about dollars.

“I Need a Dollar” was released on Aloe Blacc’s album “Good Things” in 2010.

Essentially, “I Need a Dollar” is about seeking help, whether it’s a financial or general one.

“Bad times are coming and I reap what I don’t sow
Well let me tell you something all that glitters ain’t gold.”

20. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”

“Paper Planes” by the British artist M.I.A. has a unique, memorable chorus and a strong message.

The song was inspired by the singer’s problems with obtaining a US visa, but it also portrays the general American perception of immigrants.

M.I.A’s songs often contain important political and social commentary, and although it might seem like a catchy (but authentic) radio tune, “Paper Planes” is definitely one of them.

“Sometimes I think sitting on trains
Every stop I get to I’m clocking that game
Everyone’s a winner, we’re making our fame
Bona fide hustler making my name.”

21. Destiny’s Child – “Bills, Bills, Bills”

Destiny’s Child released “Bills, Bills, Bills” in 1999, and younger generations still keep discovering this R&B gem.

The song talks about a man who is becoming dependent on his girlfriend’s money.

It’s one of the songs where Beyonce gave us a hint that she will keep making feminist remarks in her music.

“But now, you’re getting comfortable
Ain’t doing those things you did no more
You’re slowly making me pay for things
Your money should be handling.”

22. Kanye West – “Gold Digger”

Featuring vocals by Jamie Foxx, “Gold Digger” became a huge hit after it was released in 2005.

The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received several awards including the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.

“Gold Digger” perhaps doesn’t offer any profound thoughts on the topic of money, but it’s definitely a catchy tune that’s always nice to go back to.

23. Lana Del Rey – “Million Dollar Man”

Money is one of the recurring themes in Lana Del Rey’s songs, but she certainly knows how to sing about it with style.

“Million Dollar Man” was released on her album “Born to Die: The Paradise Edition” in 2012.

In fact, the song is about the appreciation of a man – she loves him despite the fact that he broke her heart.

“You got the world, but, baby, at what price?
Something so strange, hard to define
It isn’t that hard, boy, to like you or love you.”

24. The Drums – “Money”

“Money” by the American band The Drums is an upbeat, indie song about money.

In the song, the narrator wants to buy his girlfriend something nice, but he doesn’t really have any money.

The song was released on the band’s second studio album “Portamento” in 2011.

“Before I die
I’d like to do something nice
Take my hand and I’ll take you for a ride.”

25. Pet Shop Boys – “Opportunities”

“Opportunities” was released on the Pet Shop Boys’ album “Please” in 1986, and the song has that familiar 80s sound accordingly.

It’s clearly one of the songs about making money, and it’s written from the perspective of a man who is allegedly educated and wants to make a lot of money.

In fact, the protagonist is inviting a girl to help him with his plan to make money.

However, there have been a lot of different reviews of the song’s lyrics and meaning.

“Oh, there’s a lot of opportunities
If you know when to take them
You know there’s a lot of opportunities
If there aren’t, you can make them.”

26. The O’Jays – “For the Love of Money”

Released in 1973, “For The Love of Money” has some great insights into money.

This soul/funk track with the iconic intro talks about the dangers of getting money and how it changes people.

The song also says that some people would turn on each other because of money, which is a sad truth.

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

27. The Barenaked Ladies – “If I Had a Million Dollars”

It’s one of the questions we all like to think about from time to time: what would I do If I had million dollars?

The Barenaked Ladies asked the same question and came up with an answer in the form of a sweet folk-rock song.

The Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian band formed in 1988 and is familiar to younger generations for their Big Bang Theory theme song.

28. Lady Gaga – “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich”

When it comes to songs about being rich and famous, we have to include Lady Gaga’s gem “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich.”

However, the song is actually inspired by the singer’s struggle to become an artist in New York City.

Either way, “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” is a nice throwback to Lady Gaga’s older albums.

29. Madonna – “Material Girl”

Without a doubt, “Material Girl” is one of Madonna’s most iconic songs.

This classic pop hit was released on Madonna’s acclaimed album “Like a Virgin” in 1984.

The music video, along with the song, is often interpreted as the depiction of a girl who values money and fancy things.

However, the end of the video shows the protagonist driving away in a cheap car after a day of filming.

Either way, “Material Girl” clearly and truthfully states that we live in a material world.

30. Ennio Morricone – “A Fistful of Dollars Suite”

We’re rounding up this list with the maestro of the movies.

Ennio Morricone was known for his memorable scores for westerns, and one of them is the soundtrack for the 1964 “A Fistful of Dollars” directed by Sergio Leone and featuring Clint Eastwood.

After all, wealth plays an important role in westerns, and this track captures their essence perfectly.

Songs About Money – Final Thoughts

Money can be a great motivator, but also a source of problems, and the versatility of songs about money is proof.

And some of these songs make important remarks on how much effect money can have on people.

So, although it’s always nice to dream about getting a ton of money, always be careful!

Either way, we hope you had fun going through this list and we reminded you of some great tunes.

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