You know what they say about money. It makes the world go around. Come to think of it, there are plenty of sayings that pertain to the almighty dollar. It can get you just about anything you desire except for love. Since money is so important many songs about money and getting rich have been written over the years.
Money is so powerful that people are willing to do practically anything to get their hands on it. It has also been said that the love of money is the root of all evil. Money consumes you to the point where songs are written about it. Below we’ve put together an epic list of songs from all genres of music that relate to money.
1. Got Money by Lil Wayne (Featuring T-Pain)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Tha Carter III |
If any rapper knows anything about becoming famous and making lots of money, it would be Lil Wayne, who signed a contract with Cash Money Records at the young age of 12 years old. Coming from his 2008 album “Tha Carter III,” the track “Got Money” features a guest spot from T-Pain and is about all of the luxuries that he can now afford because of his fame and talent, as well as the many exploits that having money gets him involved in. He also raps about how everybody wants a piece of him now that he has money to burn.
2. Make the Money by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | The Heist |
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are no strangers to making money in the music industry, especially when they struck gold in 2012 with their multi-platinum album “The Heist.” Although “Make the Money” may not have been as big as hits like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” this track still has lots to say about the dangers of fame and fortune that come along with making it big in music. It’s also a great song with a message about how money can pull you out of a dark place. You’ve just got to be careful about how you handle your success.
3. Easy Money by Billy Joel
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | An Innocent Man |
Billy Joel’s critically acclaimed and highly successful 1983 album “An Innocent Man” is full of hit songs, but “Easy Money” is a deeper cut that can be taken as a cautionary tale regarding how easy it is to strike it rich at the gambling tables, or how quickly you can lose it all in the blink of an eye. This song also warns against the potential dangers of developing a gambling addiction with the lyrics, “I got a one-track mind and a good reputation laying on the line. I’ll either come back a bum or a king.” He can’t say no.
4. Mo Money, Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Life After Death |
Christopher Wallace, known by his rap monitor Notorious B.I.G, knew a thing or two about making money. He also had quite a way with words, as best heard on “Mo Money, Mo Problems,” from what many consider to be his masterpiece, the 1997 double album “Life After Death.” When Faith Evans sings the chorus, “I don’t know what they want from me. It’s like the more money we come across, the more problems we see,” it reminds me of the old saying, “Small money equals small problems. Big money equals big problems.” Truer words have never been spoken.
5. Billionaire by Travie McCoy (Featuring Bruno Mars)
| Genre | Pop, R&B |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Lazarus |
Have you ever sat and thought about what you would do if you would win the lottery? Well, the song “Billionaire” is the musical equivalent of the pipe dream of what you would do with lottery winnings. In this song from Travie McCoy’s 2010 record “Lazarus,” it’s Bruno Mars that steals the show. The beautiful thing is that he shows his philanthropic side with the words, “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.”
6. Gold Digger by Kanye West (Featuring Jamie Foxx)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Registration |
Although I’m sure that most of you are already aware of this, some women are out for only one thing from a guy. That one thing, of course, is money. These women are called gold diggers, and Kanye West wrote a hit song about them on his album “Registration.” This track is about a woman who uses men for their money. However, she meets somebody who beats her at her own game when she meets the perfect guy who becomes successful and then leaves her as soon as he makes it big. I guess what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. This is one of my favorite rap songs about money.
7. Can’t Buy Me Love by The Beatles
| Genre | Rock and Roll |
| Year Released | 1964 |
| Album | A Hard Day’s Night |
When the Beatles released the album “A Hard Day’s Night” in 1964, there was no way they could have known that the song “Can’t Buy Me Love” would have become a hit that spanned multiple generations. This tune talks about how there are many things that money can buy, but as the title would suggest, money can’t buy love. This is a simple rock and roll song with a great message; that no matter how much money you may have, some things aren’t for sale. I guess that’s why the Beatles don’t care for money, although they made lots of it.
8. 7 Rings by Arianna Grande
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Thank U, Next |
Being able to afford life’s finer things isn’t a game that’s just for the boys anymore, as Ariana Grande proves in her song “7 Rings” from her 2019 album “Thank U, Next.” In this song, she talks about being able to get everything she wants. It doesn’t matter if she is talking about her hair, smile, jewelry, or outfit. Ariana makes it clear that if she wants it, she will get it, and nothing will stop her. All of this is set to an infectious beat, part hip hop, and part pop.
9. She Works Hard For the Money by Donna Summer
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | She Works Hard For the Money |
In 1983, from the album of the same name, Donna Summers gave women everywhere an empowerment anthem for the ages with the hit single “She Works Hard For the Money.” This song follows a working-class woman throughout her day and tells the story of how she has seen her fair share of hard times. But, just like everything else in the 1980s, her dreams are big enough to make it through the tough times and get her to better times. Here drive a D her ambition will help to propel her to the top, and you had better show her some respect.
10. I’m the One by DJ Khaled (ft. Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne)
| Genre | Hip Hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Grateful |
“I’m the One” is truly an epic song that references money a lot. While the song isn’t exclusively about money, it’s certainly an important theme in the song. The rappers are basically bragging about their life and to their women that they are the only ones for them.
11. I Get Money by 50 Cent
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Curtis |
When Curtis Jackson, also known by his stage name 50 Cent, released the album “Curtis” in 2007, he certainly wasn’t shy about letting everybody know that he has money, as stated repeatedly in the track “I Get Money.” This New York rapper has had his fair share of financial peaks and valleys, all of which have been well-documented. One of the topics that he touches on in this song is how he created Vitamin Water and sold it to Coca-Cola for billions of dollars. The rest of the song talks about the vacations he goes on and the things he buys.
12. C.R.E.A.M. by Wu-Tang Clan
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) |
You probably wouldn’t be able to tell that this is a song about money unless you knew the acronym C.R.E.A.M. stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me. This song comes from Wu-Tang Clan’s 1993 classic rap album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” and talks about how growing up poor in New York can change her perspective about money. While most people would say that there is too much emphasis put on making lots of money, those people have probably never had to wonder where their next meal was coming from or did they have a home to go to.
13. Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Pray for the Wicked |
“Hey Look Ma, I Made It” is a very interesting song that describes the good and bad things that come with chasing material success and money. The song starts in a very optimistic manner but quickly turns to some of the negative aspects of getting rich, like not knowing who to trust and who your real friends are anymore. The song is truly a humbling reminder that even once success is reached, it still comes with some costs. This is a great one if you’re looking for songs about getting rich and what comes along with that.
14. It’s All About The Benjamins by Puff Daddy & The Family (Featuring Mase)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | No Way Out |
In 1997, Puff Daddy and the family shook up the music world with their multi-platinum selling album “No Way Out.” This record had several hit singles, including “It’s All About The Benjamins.” As you would have probably gathered from the title, this song is all about becoming a rich and famous rap artist and all of the finer things in life that being a top-selling musical artist can afford you, whether we are talking about clothes or food. Puff Daddy is one of those artists who might as well change his name to King Midas because everything he touches seems to turn gold.
15. Moneytalks by AC/DC
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | The Razor’s Edge |
Although AC/DC has been a popular band in the Hard Rock genre for decades, they had no idea that they were going to experience a career resurgence on such a massive scale as when they released the 1990 album “The Razor’s Edge.” This album posted several hit singles, one of which was the track “Moneytalks.” Much like many of the other songs on this list, “Moneytalks” is about being able to afford all of life’s luxuries, like furs, diamonds, tailored suits, and limousines. The message that this song is trying to convey is that money is the ultimate status symbol.
16. Money Maker by Ludacris (Featuring Pharrell)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Release Therapy |
Ludacris knows a thing or two about making lots of money, from his millions of albums sold to appearing in the Fast and Furious franchise, all the way to having his animated show. Forget about James Brown. Ludacris gets my vote for the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” However, the “Money Maker” track from his 2006 album “Release Therapy” isn’t as much about working hard as it is about playing hard. In this song, Ludacris also suggests that having lots of money can’t afford some of the finer things, such as being able to get some company if you’re lonely.
17. Money by Pink Floyd
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | The Dark Side of the Moon |
Pink Floyd’s smash hit “Money” from their 1973 classic album “The Dark Side of the Moon” is probably the most well-known song about money that has ever been written. As the title indicates, the song is about making lots of money and the luxuries you can buy with it. “New car, caviar, four-star, daydream. Think I’ll buy me a football team” are just a few of the extravagant luxuries that David Gilmour is thinking of buying. However, this song it’s also-ran about a cautionary tale about how money can corrupt, as Gilmour declares that it is the root of all evil today.
18. Bitch Better Have My Money by Rhianna
| Genre | R&B, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Bitch Better Have My Money |
Rihanna knows a thing or two about being rich and famous. On the song “Bitch Better Have My Money” from the 2015 album of the same name, she doesn’t hesitate to let us know that she calls the shots and that you’d better have her money if it’s owed to her. Amongst many other things, Rihanna says, “Pay me what you owe me, don’t act as you forgot.” With a track like “Bitch Better Have My Money,” I don’t think anybody will forget to pay Rihanna anytime soon. She will certainly make sure of that.
19. Money on My Mind by Lil Wayne
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Tha Carter II |
Money seems to surround Lil Wayne, and it is very prevalent in his life. He has been a part of Young Money and Cash Money Records. Not to mention, he has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, largely thanks to his “Tha Carter” records. That’s why it comes as no surprise that “Money on My Mind” is a definitive track on 2005’s “Tha Carter II.” Just like the title says, this song is all about money being on Wayne’s mind, as he says “I’m looking like a star, bitch. When you see me, make a wish.”
20. Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) by Pet Shop Boys
| Genre | Synth-Pop |
| Year Released | 1986 |
| Album | Please |
Straight from the age of materialism and excess comes the synth-pop duo known as the Pet Shop Boys and their 1986 hit song “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” from their record “Please.” This track consists of one person making a business proposal to another person with the goal of making lots of money. The person making the proposition says he can be the brains while the other party is the brawn. He then asks, “I’m looking for a partner. Someone who gets things fixed. Ask yourself this question, do you want to be rich?”
21. Money, Money, Money by ABBA
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Arrival |
From the 1976 album “Arrival,” the Swedish group ABBA gave us one of their most successful singles, “Money, Money, Money.” This song is about a woman who has to work hard just to make ends meet. Once she’s done paying bills, she doesn’t have any money left to purchase what she wants. She even thinks that the man she has a crush on won’t notice her because she’s not wealthy. Next, she wonders what it must be like to be rich when she says *All the things I could do If I had a little money. It’s a rich man’s world.”
22. Take the Money and Run by The Steve Miller Band
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Fly Like an Eagle |
In the mid to late 1970s, no rock act was hotter than The Steve Miller Band, with hits like “Take the Money and Run” from their 1976 record “Fly Like an Eagle.” This song tells the tale of a couple who are bored with the life that they are living. They formulate a plan to rob someone well-off. Unfortunately, Billy Joe shoots the man they are robbing. Bobbie Sue took off with the money. The two evaded the law, as indicated by the words “They got the money. Hey, you know they got away. They headed down south, and they’re still running today.”
23. Money Changes Everything by Cyndi Lauper
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | She’s So Unusual |
Cyndi Lauper exploded onto the music scene in 1983 with her album “She’s So Unusual.” Although the song “Money Changes Everything” is one of the lesser-known tracks on this album, that doesn’t mean that it is any less significant. As stated in the title, the song is about how money changes everything, including relationships in your personal life. She goes on to say that money will consume you so much that you will be incapable of trusting anybody fit fear of losing your money. That’s certainly a far cry from upbeat dance songs like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “She Bop.”
24. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | Brothers In Arms |
Although Dire Straits had been making music long before they released the album “Brothers In Arms” in 1985, they had never been as popular as when they released the made-for-MTV track “Money For Nothing.” While the song had some controversial topics and language that was not radio-friendly, this song skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard charts, taking over the airwaves. With only Sting on background vocals, this song is about how rock stars get paid for doing practically nothing. At least, that’s the public perception of being a musician. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
25. Did You Steal My Money? by The Who
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | Face Dances |
While The Who isn’t a band that is known for songs about material things, this track from the 1983 album “Face Dances” hits the proverbial nail on the head. That song is about how people line up to take advantage of famous rock stars, including financial advisors, who are supposed to have the best interest of their clients at heart. However, in this tragic tale, someone has taken advantage of the narrator and has mismanaged his money. What’s even scarier is that this song could have been written from a personal experience one of the members of the band has gone through.
26. Money Trees by Kendrick Lamar (Featuring Jay Rock)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | good kid, m.A.A.d city |
In typical Kendrick Lamar fashion, he reminds us of the power of being wealthy versus the struggles of being poor on the track “Money Trees” from his 2012 album “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” In this song, Kendrick explains how having money gives you certain entitlements, such as being able to tell somebody exactly how you feel with little to no repercussions. On the other hand, if you are poor, there’s very little that you can do about any given situation. The moral of the story is that money has the power to get you out of all kinds of trouble.
27. Money Don’t Matter 2Nite by Prince and the New Power Generation
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Diamonds and Pearls |
I have been a fan of practically every iteration of Prince’s career, whether it was his solo albums, his work with The Revolution, or some of his later songs with the New Power Generation. Coming straight from his 1991 record “Diamonds and Pearls,” the song “Money Don’t Matter 2Nite” is about an individual who loses money consistently but always uses the expression “Money doesn’t matter tonight” when he talks about losing money like it doesn’t matter, and he has plenty to burn. He is frustrated that everybody around him is using him for his money, affecting the way that he treats others.
28. You Never Give Me Your Money by The Beatles
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Abbey Road |
There’s a reason why the Beatles or the world’s most popular band for almost a decade, and while the song “You Never Give Me Your Money” was never a huge hit, the 1969 album “Abbey Road” was one of their most popular. This song is about the carefree lifestyle that being wealthy can afford you, as seen in lyrics like “Pick up the bags and get in the limousine. Soon we’ll be away from here. Step on the gas and wipe that tear away.” However, in some of the later works of John Lennon, material wealth did not impress him much.
29. Money Talks by Rick James
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Funk |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | Throwin’ Down |
Do you remember when Rick James was more than just a David Chappelle punchline? Back in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, Rick was a force to be reckoned with in the music world. While most of his songs were about having a good time, Rick could also use his music to make a statement, as heard in his song “Money Talks” from the 1982 record “Throwin’ Down.” This song boldly states that money always controls everything behind the scenes. The song primarily pertains to how money speaks to you in every transaction you make.
30. Vampire Money by My Chemical Romance
| Genre | Alternative, Emo, Popularity Punk |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys |
As the story goes, this song from the 2010 album “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys” takes a shot at all of the Bands who were paid handsomely to be on the soundtracks to the “Twilight” movies. The guys in My Chemical Romance were offered a large sum of money to appear on one of these soundtracks but turned it down. Instead, they opted to write the song “Vampire Money” to make the statement that they weren’t going to sell out, despite their fans’ disappointment that they didn’t appear on them.
31. Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth Is by Oasis
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Standing On the Shoulders of Giants |
There was a time when Oasis was touted as “the second coming of The Beatles.” However, by the time the album “Standing On the Shoulders of Giants” was released, there weren’t many people that shared that sentiment anymore. That’s not to say that they didn’t have their fair share of fans, though. With songs like “Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth Is,” this band from Manchester, England, proved that they still had something to say. The title of this song stems from the old saying that you should “put your money where your mouth is” when you are adamant about something.
32. Money In the Bank by John Anderson
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | Solid Ground |
“Money In the Bank” from John Anderson’s 1995 album “Solid Ground” proves that songs about money aren’t solely reserved for rap and hard rock acts. Country music wants in on the act too. This song finds Anderson wishing about the things he wants, although no material thing can compare to the love that he feels from his lady. He even goes as far as to compare her love to “money in the bank.” He even says he met the man in his dreams who offered him a money-making machine if he would give up his lady friend.
33. Got Your Money by Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Featuring Kelis)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | N*gga Please |
Coming up next is Wu-Tang Clan’s own Ol’ Dirty Bastard and the one and only Kelis on the track “Got Your Money” from his 1999 album “N*gga Please.” Like many other songs, ODB brags about the various items money can buy. Whether it’s being able to afford the company of several ladies or if it’s a diamond tennis bracelet, he’s got that covered. If there is one thing that this song makes clear, it’s that Ol’ Dirty Bastard doesn’t care if he’s spending his money or yours. It’s all the same to him.
34. Money Money by Grateful Dead
| Genre | Glassic Rock, James Band |
| Year Released | 1974 |
| Album | From the Mars Hotel |
While love and money aren’t mutually exclusive, they seem to go well together in the Grateful Dead’s “Money Money” song from their 1974 record “From the Mars Hotel.” This track is about the attention one can get from being in a famous band. Make no mistake. This could be the wrong kind of attention. It’s about how one party in a relationship can use the other party as nothing more than a way to get all of the material things they want, as well as the stress that one can endure while trying to get these things for their significant other.
35. Money (That’s What I Want) by The Flying Lizards
| Genre | Pop, Blues |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | It’s All So Easy |
This fast-paced blues song has been heard everywhere, from movies to commercials to the radio. It was co-written by Motown Records CEO Berry Gordy Andrew and Janie Bradford and was performed brilliantly by The Flying Lizards. If you don’t immediately recognize this song, by the time they get to the opening line, “the best things in life or free, but you can give that to the birds and the bees,” you will know exactly what song I’m talking about. The female vocalist in this song continues to say that while love is nice, she is much more concerned with money.
36. Rich Girl by Hall And Oates
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Bigger Than Both of Us |
There was no duo like Hall and Oates in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. They were able to put together a string of hits that most bands would be jealous of today. One of those hits was the song “Rich Girl” from their 1976 album “Bigger Than Both of Us.” This is about a girl who thinks money can get her anywhere she wants or buy her anything she wants. Daryl Hall and John Oates are trying to warn this young lady that money can only take you so far in life.
37. Material Girl by Madonna
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1984 |
| Album | Like a Virgin |
What would this list be without including the original material girl, Madonna, who took the 1980s by storm with her 1984 album “Like a Virgin,” which included such hits as “Material Girl?” This pop tune was perfect for the 1980s, which was known as the decade of excess. Madonna makes no qualms about the fact that money runs everything, and materialism reigned over that decade. She succinctly says, “We are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.” At least she’s not in denial about who she is and what she wants.
38. If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time by Willie Nelson
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | The Sound in Your Mind |
Willie Nelson is the last country music artist you would expect to make an appearance on this list, but on his 1976 record “The Sound in Your Mind,” you can find the tune “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time.” However, this is not the typical song about making or spending lots of money. Instead, it’s about not having much money but wanting to spend all the time you can with that special person in your life. Willie makes no secret about the fact that he’s broke, but if his lady friend pays his way, he’ll make time to go.
39. Millionaire by Kelis (Featuring André 3000)
| Genre | Hip Hop, Pop |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Tasty |
Kelis became a worldwide phenomenon with her song “Milkshake” from her 2003 album “Tasty.” The song ” Millionaire ” came from that same album,” which is not only about being rich but also a warning that there is always somebody out to give you and your money. Set to an upbeat rhythm, André 3000 from the group Outkast takes over most of the vocal duties in the song. He showcases many of his talents by singing and rapping over a beat that is unlike anything Outkast has ever done, but that’s what catches your attention and makes it interesting.
40. We’re In The Money (The Golddigger’s Song) by Bing Crosby and Ginger Rogers
| Genre | Big Band, Swing |
| Year Released | 1933 |
| Album | Golddiggers Original Soundtrack |
This is possibly the first song that comes to mind when you think about songs that refer to being rich or getting rich. Think about it for a moment. What song comes to mind when you know that you are about to come into a large amount of money? More than often than not, it’s going to be “We’re In The Money” by the one and not Bing Crosby. This was also the unofficial song of the late 1930s when people across the country were coming out of the Great Depression. This song has the power to lift people.
41. Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent by Gwen Guthrie
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 1986 |
| Album | Good To Go Lover |
In 1986, Gwen Guthrie released a song that perfectly epitomized the decade with the track “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent” from her album “Good To Go Lover.” This tune uses plenty of adages such as “no romance without finance” to support the notion that men had to have a high-paying job if they had any expectations of getting a girlfriend. This is evident through the lyrics “Boy, your silky ways are sweet, but we’re only wastin’ time if your pockets are empty. I’ve got lots of love to give, but I will have to avoid you if you’re unemployed.”
42. If I Had a Million Dollars by Barenaked Ladies
| Genre | Alternative |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | Barenaked Ladies Demo Tapes |
Coming straight at you from the Barenaked Ladies demo tapes of 1988 is a hidden gem of a song called “If I Had a Million Dollars.” In this song’s four and a half minute run time, we hear the Barenaked Ladies waxing poetic about what they would do if they had a million dollars. The message is simple enough. It starts by saying they’d buy a house, and then he bought a house for you. He talks about having a fully stocked refrigerator with pre-wrapped sausages and pre-wrapped bacon, as well as being able to take a limo to the store.
43. Bills Bills Bills by Destiny’s Child
| Genre | Pop, R&B |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | The Writing’s On the Wall |
Destiny’s Child is more than happy to continue the trend started by Madonna in the 1980s with their song “Bills Bills Bills” from the 1999 album “The Writing’s On the Wall.” This hit was extremely popular when it was released, following the usual formula of a girl saying that a guy must have lots of money if he expects to hang out with her. He ends up talking the girl into using her credit card to buy gifts and go on shopping sprees for himself. He also uses her cell phone, but it’s nowhere to be found when the bills come in.
44. Love Don’t Cost a Thing by Jennifer Lopez
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | J. Lo |
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” was one of Jennifer Lopez’s biggest hits from her 2001 album “J. Lo,” answer with its simple and refreshing message that you don’t need a dime to fall in love, I cannot see why the song was so popular. We live in a time when everybody is writing songs about how much money they make and how much money you have to spend to be with someone. That’s the true beauty of this danceable poor tune. As J. Lo says, “Even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing.” That’s a message I can get behind.
45. Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani (Featuring Eve)
| Genre | Pop, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Love. Angel. Music. Baby. |
In 2004, Gwen Stefanie collaborated with Eve on a couple of tracks, including “Rich Girl,” which is found on the album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” This album was released around the time when John Doubt broke up, and Gwen was trying out a new hip hop and dance style of music rather than sticking to Not Doubt’s formula. In this track, Stefani thinks of all the things that she could buy if she was rich, like a Hollywood mansion or another house in London. Still, she says all these things would be worthless if she couldn’t share them with her man.
46. Money by Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Money |
“Money,” from the 2019 album of the same name by Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch doesn’t fit in with some of the other songs on this list in the traditional sense. Instead of bragging about how much money they have and the things they own, these two guys sing about how money can destroy love if you are not careful. However, the song takes a Twist as the narrator says that he wants to be able to provide everything that the girl needs. He doesn’t call her a gold digger. He wants to give her whatever she wants.
47. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is by Jet
| Genre | Indie, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Shine On |
Not to be confused with a song with a similar title by the British alternative rockers Oasis, this 2006 track from the Australian band’s album “Shine On” is indeed a play on the saying that we often use to tell someone to prove something to us instead of blindly believing it. In this case, it’s about a guy wanting to be with a girl and her telling him to prove how much he wants her. This song is not about making or spending money. Instead, it’s about whether you think whatever you want is worth the risk.
48. I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Good Things |
“I Need a Dollar” from Alice Blacc’s 2019 record “Good Things” is a song that hits home and makes you feel things like most can’t. You’re probably wondering what makes a hip hop and jazz song about money so special. Please allow me to elaborate. This song isn’t about how much money Aloe has or the material things he can buy. Sadly, this is a tragic tale of a man who has been let go from his job. My heart breaks when he pleads, “Is there someone with a dollar that I can borrow? Who can help me take away my sorrow?”
49. Free Money by Patti Smith
| Genre | Punk, Alternative |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Horses |
“Free Money” is a song by one of the legendary punk icons, Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye, and is found on her 1975 classic “Horses.” This song finds Smith wanting to use somebody else’s money to buy her lover all the things she desires, like a private jet. Patti also goes on to say that all of their problems would be gone if they had enough money. The problem is that she doesn’t want to work for it. She’s fine with winning the lottery or stealing, though. However, this song is not Smith’s usual punk rock style. Instead, it is more restrained.
50. Million Dollar Man by Lana Del Ray
| Genre | Pop, Indie |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Born to Die: The Paradise Edition |
On the track “Million Dollar Man” from her 2010 album “Born to Die: The Paradise Edition,” Lana Delaware Ray talks about falling in love with the wrong man, although it feels right when the two are together. She even calls him a million-dollar man who has the world in his hands. Unfortunately, as does everything else, we’ll find out that it comes at a price. It’s a love/hate relationship, made apparent by the words, “You’re screwed up and brilliant. Look like a million-dollar man. So why is my heart broken?”
51. Beautiful, Dirty, Rich by Lady Gaga
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | The Fame |
Lady Gaga is easily the most unique artist on this list, and 2008’s “The Fame” is a pop masterpiece. “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” is one of the reasons why this album is held in such high regard. This is a track in which she talks about her lifestyle, yet she manages to do it without a lot of money. She refers to this lifestyle as beautiful and dirty rich, which should come as no surprise. The lyrics are set to a drum and bass beat that is so catchy that it’s almost impossible to get it out of your head once you hear it.
52. For the Love of Money by The O’Jays
| Genre | R&B, Funk |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Ship Ahoy |
It’s been said that the love of money is the root of all evil, and in 1973, The O’Jays warned us of what people will do to each other because of it on the single “For the Love of Money” from their album “Ship Ahoy.” Two examples of the vile things people will do for the love of money include “robbing their own mother” and “shooting their own brother.” Besides being a hit song in its own right, this track has also appeared on several soundtracks, such as “Dead Presidents,” “All About The Benjamins,” “New Jack City,” and many others.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.