Money. Cash. Bling-bling. Dough. Cheddar. Whatever you call it, the stuff is essential to everyday life. You can’t walk out your door without a wallet, credit card, a few bills, or something else to help you get a bite to eat, a taxi cab, or a ticket into a venue. The grocery store doesn’t take hugs, after all. Money, whether we like it or not, is here to stay.
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It’s a reality that many musicians knew decades ago. In fact, some of our favorite classic rock bands sang about the situation eloquently. Below, we wanted to explore three examples of just that. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs that highlight the ups and downs of money.
[RELATED: No Skips: 4 Classic Rock Albums You’ll Never Have to Fast-Forward]
“Money” by Pink Floyd from ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ (1973)
From one of the most famous classic rock albums of all time, this song from the British-born band Pink Floyd highlights the greed that often comes along with money. Of course, it’s important in modern society to make a living, to bring in money, and have the things you and your family need. But where it gets nasty is when green seeps in and one tries to accumulate much more than they will ever need. That sort of behavior can cloud the mind. And Pink Floyd warns about it here on this classic.
“Take The Money And Run” by Steve Miller Band from ‘Fly Like An Eagle’ (1976)
This supremely catchy tune by Steve Miller Band talks about a robbery. A young couple robs a man in his house, and then they have to go on the run. They are chased by a detective, and as the band’s titular lead singer explains, the couple is on the run forever from him. Miller seems to explain that if you pull off a dangerous crime, you may get your dough in the short term. But then what? Your whole life will be dedicated to paying for what you’ve done. It’s a warning for all looking for a quick fix.
“You Never Give Me Your Money” by The Beatles from ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
This song was inspired by inner turmoil within The Beatles and their management. After the band’s original manager Brian Epstein passed away 1967, they started working with Allen Klein on financial matters. It was just a mess, according to this McCartney-penned tune. But that’s the thing about money. It can muddy the waters and turn people against one another. Even for a band with all the resources in the world, it still helped to drive a wedge. McCartney, who felt no connection to Klein, could feel it. So, he sang about it here.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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