As a pillar of society, it’s no wonder the concept of money can be traced as far back through musical history as themes such as love.
We’ve collected some of the best old songs about money, each carrying a message which remains relevant to the current day, whether you’re seeking riches, despising the capitalist system or actively avoiding the temptation of luxury altogether.
Old Songs About Money
1. Barrett Strong – Money (That’s What I Want)
The classic rock n’ roll track, Money (That’s What I Want) has been covered by an array of musicians throughout the decades, including The Beatles in 1967, The Flying Lizards in 1979 and Charli XCX in 2014.
But they all stem back to this original 1959 release by Barrett Strong; a track capturing the intrinsic vibrancy of early rock, flooded with an upbeat dance feel reminiscent of colour-splashed milkshake cafes and 50s diners.
While later covers of this track are focused on the sleek, sultry vibe of feminine power, Strong’s original breaks free of the sonic restraint imposed by the game-changing 1979 rendition, crafting a naturally bright piece of exuberant go-getting energy that’s obtainable by all.
Money (That’s What I Want) places money at the centre of existence, obsessing over its collection under the knowledge that life can’t progress without it; “Your love gives me such a thrill, but your love don’t pay my bills, I need money, that’s what I want.”
2. Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis – The Money Song
This vintage track by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis is a quirky orchestral-based pop track centred in its musical theatre technique of interspersing song with spoken word vocal acting.
The Money Song, first released in 1962, is a light-hearted and humorous take on the serious topic of struggling under capitalism;
“If you got it you don’t need it, if you need it you don’t got it … Them that have it get more of it, the less they need it the more they love it, and it sticks to them like glue, funny, funny, funny what money can do.”
Despite being released over 60 years ago, The Money Song harbours some honest sentiments still resounding with undecayed impact, “Ask the rich man he’ll confess, money can’t buy happiness, ask the poor man he don’t doubt, but he’d rather be miserable with than without.”
3. The Andrew Sisters – Money Is The Root Of All Evil
The Andrew Sisters’ wartime release, Money Is The Root Of All Evil, carries a message backlit by the unique context of World War Two.
This track is about recognising the psychopathy spawned by wealth, finding contentment in being poor yet humble, nourished and self-fulfilled;
“Money is the root of all evil, won’t contaminate myself with it, take it away, take it away, take it away … I got my youth & health, what do I want with wealth? … Got a loaf of bread and wine baby, and the right to call you mine baby, all your money I dont care for it, take it away, take it away, take it away.”
It’s easy to see how this track became a wartime hit, for its subtle messages against war mongering and persevering with the strains of rationing, spurning the need for excess.
4. Ginger Rogers – We’re In The Money
This classic opening piece from the 1933 film, Gold Diggers, has been immortalised to the modern audience through its mini-feature on The Simpsons, alongside that infamous clip of the Sainsbury’s CEO singing it pre-interview, unaware the cameras were rolling.
We’re In The Money is an old-school anthem about achieving success and revelling in your prize. Its age-old message translates to any company or individual striking gold with a new endeavour, finally earning what they’ve worked hard to achieve;
“Gone are my blues and gone are my tears, I’ve got good news to shout in your ears, the long lost Dollar has come back to the fold, with silver you can turn your dreams to gold, we’re in the money, we’re in the money, we’ve got a lot of what it takes to get along.”
Under the recurring historical context of economic depression, this track becomes a timeless piece for anyone surmounting their money struggles and working their way into a new personal era;
“We’re in the money, the sky is sunny old man depression, you are through, you done us wrong … We’re in the money, come, on my honey, let’s lend it, spend it, send it rolling around.”
5. Donna Summer – She Works Hard For The Money
Donna Summers’ 1983 single, She Works Hard For The Money, is an upbeat retro track enlivened by its theme of feminine empowerment.
Switching the traditional roles of a relationship, Summers details the dedicated work attitude of a woman who earns more than her man, anchoring her track in a message of respecting your partner’s achievements alongside their devotion to work
“She works hard for the money, so hard for it, honey, she works hard for the money so you better treat her right.”
She Works Hard For The Money is a theme tune for any self-motivated professional finding pride in their work despite the inevitable hardships it comes with;
“9am on the hour hand, and she’s waiting for the bell, and she’s looking real pretty, she’s waiting for her clientele … It’s a sacrifice working day to day for little money just tips for pay, but it’s worth it all to hear them say that they care.”
6. AC/DC – Moneytalks
AC/DC’s 1990 track, Moneytalks, is settled in a rock n’ roll soundscape that could be mistaken for any era that came before it, their lyrics carrying an equally timeless message about the blinding effect money has on the world.
Moneytalks lists a life of luxury, illustrating the endless potential that comes hand in hand with wealth; “Tailored suits, chauffeured cars, fine hotels and big cigars up for grabs, all for a price, where the red hot girls keep on dancing through the night.”
AC/DC craft their lyrics as a temptation to the audience, luring them into a golden lifestyle whilst neglecting to mention any of its disadvantages;
“Hey, little girl, you want it all, the furs, the diamonds, the paintings on the wall, come on, come on, loving for the money, come on, come on, listen to the money talk.”