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Monetary Melodies: Top 5 Songs About Money

 

Money.  It's a concept that has simply captivated humanity since the beginning of its existence.  Some people love it.  Some people hate it.  And some people are simply obsessed with it.  But no matter your opinion on it, it's definitely something that's had a tremendous influence on your life. Maybe that's why people sing about it so often.  Indeed, some of the best songs in music history have been all about money. Here are the top 5 songs that either extoll the joys of money and credit cards, or push listeners to transcend the ills of materialism.

5. Dire Straits- "Money for Nothing"

Dire Straits "Money For Nothing" by cb122 In one of Dire Straits' most famous songs, Mark Knopfler kicks it off with an unforgettable guitar riff and sings some classic lyrics touching upon the commercialism of rock 'n roll music. Key Lyric: "You play the guitar on the MTV/That ain't working, that's the way you do it/Money for nothing and your chicks for free"

4. The Beatles- "Tax Man"

Beatles -Taxman by Carlos Fromm For better or worse, and no matter where you live, taxes must be paid.  The Beatles decided to poke fun at this fact, writing a song from the perspective of a vile tax collector. Key Lyric: "If you drive a car, car; I’ll tax the street/If you try to sit, sit; I’ll tax your seat/If you get too cold, cold; I’ll tax the heat/if you take a walk, walk; I'll tax your feet!"

3. Steve Miller Band-"Take the Money and Run"

Steve Miller Band - Take the Money and Run by uzisounds This classic ballad tells the story of Billy Joe and Bobby Sue, who decide the best way to combat their boredom is to rob a man of his money.  What follows is only one of the most recognizable choruses of the 70's. Key Lyric: "They got the money, hey/You know they got away/They headed down south and they're still running today"

2. Barrett Strong- "Money (That's What I Want)"

This song had a tremendous impact on music history.  Written in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)" was the first Motown hit, setting the stage for countless songs that followed in its footsteps.  It also has been covered by a wealth of other artists, most notably by The Beatles in 1963. Key Lyric: "They say the best things in life are free/But you can keep 'em for the birds and the bees/Now give me money/That's what I want."

1. Pink Floyd- "Money"

Pink Floyd - Money by joshuamic It's the centerpiece of one of the most famous concept albums of all time, The Dark Side of the Moon. With each song focusing on a different aspect of human life that drives people to insanity, "Money" has lyrics that clearly highlight how people go gaga over their cash. Key Lyric: "Money/It's a gas/Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash/New car, caviar, four star daydream/Think I'll buy me a football team" Did we leave any out?  Let us know your favorite money anthems in the comments section!

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Jason Bushey's picture

Jason Bushey is the former Editor and Vice President of Creditnet. Jason is a Burlington, Vermont native who moved to sunny San Diego after earning a Bachelor's Degree in English and Political Science at the University of Vermont ('09). When he's not sharing his take on credit cards, administrating the Creditnet Forum or blogging about all things related to credit, you can probably find him cheering on the Green Bay Packers (He's an owner!) or running up and down the streets of SoCal.

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