“Money” is an omnipresent theme across decades and genres. Pink Floyd’s “Money” shows a unique rejection and critique of money. There proves to be numerous artists that convey their feelings and emotions towards money and/or materialism within culture.

Barrett Strong – “Money” (That’s What I Want) 1959

Barrett Strong, a Motown artist, sings a catchy song about money. In Strong’s lyrics, the listener can see that while love does satisfy, love does not pay the bills. This shows that money is needed to live life and is essential to livelihood whereas love is not. It always serves as a commentary that things in life are not free.

The O’Jays – For The Love of Money 1973

The O’Jays show the dark sides of what money can do. In the lyrics the listener can see that money will lead to lying, cheating and stealing. It serves to show that people will do anything “for the love of money.” Morals are lost when people want money as well as people are changed once they have money.

Dire Straits – Money For Nothing 1985

Dire Straits provides a commentary on the rock lifestyle in “Money For Nothing” and how the work does not equate to a regular job.

The Notorious B.I.G – Mo Money Mo Problems 1987

The Notorious B.I.G’s “Mo Money Mo Problems” helps to portray what happens when people have money. When people have money, they are usually met with more problems as others are trying to take what you have (money/success).