In Times of Political Turmoil, These 7 Songs About Power and Money Hit Hard

Pop culture has consistently focused on money throughout its history. Wealth and financial power provided inspiration for many iconic songs because they were depicted as both an unreachable dream and a symbol of success or as a corrupting force. As musicians risk everything to make it big in their field, so do people who pursue various methods to find financial opportunities. A few people investigate creative investment opportunities, while others choose casino bonuses as a gamble to boost their financial gains.

Different music genres, ranging from rock to hip-hop, have examined people’s fixation with money and its effects. This article highlights seven great songs about power and money and reveals the stories that inspired them.

1. “Money” – Pink Floyd (1973)

Despite its unconventional 7/4 time signature, “Money” emerged as one of Pink Floyd’s major hits when it appeared on The Dark Side of the Moon. Roger Waters wrote the song to mock materialism through sarcastic lyrics and cash register sound effects. Pink Floyd released the single version of the song in 1973 and reached the No. 13 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the band’s first noteworthy hit in the United States.

2. “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” – Pet Shop Boys (1985)

This synth-pop track from the album Please was written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe and was first released in 1985. However, it only became a hit after a re-release in 1986, reaching No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 3 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart. The song satirizes the greed-driven culture of the ’80s, fitting perfectly into the era of excess and ambition.

3. “Juicy” – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)

The debut single from Biggie’s Ready to Die, “Juicy,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. It tells the story of Christopher Wallace’s rise from poverty to fame and fortune. Produced by Sean “Puffy” Combs, it samples Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit” and peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track remains a defining anthem of the hip-hop genre.

4. “She Works Hard for the Money” – Donna Summer (1983)

Donna Summer’s feminist anthem was inspired by a real-life conversation she had with a restroom attendant. Released as the lead single from the album of the same name, the song became an instant hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. It became one of Summer’s signature tracks, highlighting the struggles of working-class women.

5. “Take the Money and Run” – Steve Miller Band (1976)

A classic rock song from the album Fly Like an Eagle, it tells the fictional story of two outlaws, Billy Joe and Bobby Sue, who commit a robbery and evade the law. Written by Steve Miller, it became a major radio hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“This here’s a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue
Two young lovers with nothin’ better to do
Than sit around the house, get high, and watch the tube
And here’s what happened when they decided to cut loose“

6. “Rich Girl” – Hall & Oates (1977)

Originally written about a spoiled heir to a fast-food fortune, “Rich Girl” became Hall & Oates’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Released on the album Bigger Than Both of Us, the song is a biting critique of privilege and financial recklessness. Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics serve as a warning against the dangers of relying too much on money.

7. “I Need a Dollar” – Aloe Blacc (2010)

This modern anthem of economic struggle was released as the lead single from Aloe Blacc’s album Good Things. Inspired by the financial crisis of 2008, the song was a huge success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The track gained further prominence as the theme song for HBO’s How to Make It in America and remains one of Blacc’s most well-known hits.