A powerful entity in their lives and society in general, money is a common inspiration for songwriters. As such, many songs exist that detail artists’ views toward money, portraying it in many different lights, from an object of desire to the root of society’s problems.
1. Pink Floyd - Money
Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most iconic albums of all time. Every song on the album is a phenomenon of its own, and “Money” is definitely no exception. The song gives an overtly cynical view of money’s role in society, comparing it to a drug and calling it “the root of all evil.” Not only do the lyrics pertain solely to the concept of money, but money is also used as an instrument in the song: the introduction features a rhythm consisting of different sounds that allude to a monetary transaction. Using money and the perceived capitalistic greed that comes along with it as their source material, Pink Floyd creates a thought-provoking psychedelic experience that has helped craft one of the most illustrious albums in rock history.
2. Spinal Tap - Gimme Some Money
Known as The Thamesmen at the time of the song’s supposed release, fictitious glam metal band Spinal Tap’s “Gimme Some Money” remains one of the most timeless songs in the band’s collection. Allegedly recorded in the 1960s, “Gimme Some Money” predated the band heavy metal style and more closely reflected groups from that era such as The Beatles. The song’s subject matter even draws loosely from the theme of The Beatles’ “You Never Give Me Your Money,” as both songs describe individuals’ failures in collecting money from those who owe them.
3. The Beatles - Taxman
“Taxman,” the opening song on “Revolver,” introduced the world to an album that pushed the Beatles’ musical boundaries. The track’s two and a half minutes of melodic angst target everyone’s least favorite fiscal activity — paying taxes. After a law passed that forced the band to face a 95% progressive tax rate, George Harrison wrote this song from the point-of-view of a tax collector imposing his taxes on the people. Although it’s not the best song on “Revolver,” “Taxman” is still a solid offering from the band.
4. Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M.
Serving as the token rap song on this list, “C.R.E.A.M.” explicitly states the group’s view on money in its elongated title, “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.” Wu-Tang Clan rappers Raekwon and Inspectah Deck take turns narrating their experiences growing up penniless in a society where money is the only necessity. These conditions inevitably led them to lives filled with drugs and violence. The fact they were born into lives without any sense of financial solvency leads them to believe “Life is hell, living in a world no different than a cell,” or as Method Man put it, “Get the Money. Dollar dollar bill y’all.”
5. The Drums - Money
In 2011, indie rock band The Drums released their second album “Portamento,” which peaked at number 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The lead single from the album, simply titled “Money,” illustrates an individual’s struggles with money — specifically, not having any. After alluding to a situation in which the speaker hurt a loved one, the song repeats its catchy, ironically upbeat chorus, “I want to buy you something, but I don’t have any money.” More broadly, the song demonstrates the speaker’s desire to help and the inability to do so.
Read More
“The Spaces We Seek” gives a student-curated look into displacement and belonging
By Emily Pitts | 21 hours agoThe year-long Museums Internships course is a special opportunity through the art history department where students interested in museum professions can learn through working at the museum.
“The Tortured Poets Department” is momentary and legendary
Yesterday“The Tortured Poets Department” is, by many measures, Swift’s most personal work yet.
Shakespeare on the Lawn brings new energy to an old classic
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoThis weekend, Shakespeare on the Lawn will deliver a new rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing,” set in a southern country club — and the production is a surefire hit.
