I’m a big fan of talk radio, particularly any radio program around the subject of money. One of the things that has drastically improved over the years is bumper music – the music you hear as the host takes the audience in and out of breaks. Imagining I had my own radio show, I wondered what my top ten songs about money would be to make up sort of a “Frugal Dad” soundtrack. Here’s a few candidates:
1. “For The Love of Money” by The O’Jays
Some people do bad things with it, but in general money lets you do a lot of good things.
2. “Money Talks” by AC/DC
Money does talk, especially cash money. Flash a little cash at car dealers, furniture stores and yard sales and expect good deals to follow.
3. “I Wanna Be Rich” by Calloway
Who doesn’t want lots and lots of money for a little love, peace and happiness?
4. “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News
I recognize this song isn’t really about money, but for the lyrics, “You don’t need money. Don’t take fame. Don’t need no credit card to ride this train” I simply had to include it.
5. “Take the Money and Run” by The Steve Miller Band
Sometimes it’s tempting to just take the money and run, but remember, you can’t hide forever.
6. “Money” by Pink Floyd
“Money, it’s a crime. Share it fairly but don’t take a slice of my pie.” Too bad this isn’t on Tim Geithner’s playlist, too.
7. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
Knowing when to fold ‘em is a great lesson for investors. If you’ve lost a ton of money on an investment, and continue to hold ‘em, you might just lose more.
8. “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems” by Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy & Mase
It is true; the more money we come across the more problems we see. Just ask any recent lottery winner!
9. “Can’t Always Get What You Want” by Rolling Stones
No, you can’t always get what you want. Which is why it is important to separate needs from wants.
10. “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
The Beatles had it right, money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy love, or happiness.
Do you have a favorite money song? Of the ten listed above, which one would you select for a “Frugal Dad” radio show intro? I’m thinking that AC/DC tune would get people pumped up about money.
Ya gotta have the Bulletboys version of “For the Love of Money” for its awesome riffs and pure ’80s big-hair metal goodness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk2zoEZuEPg
And of course, ya gotta have “Workin’ For a Livin’” by Huey Lewis:
“Hundred dollar car note, two hundred rent.
I get a check on Friday, but it’s all ready spent.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N2CANatVYQ
(Saw Huey in concert last year and he’s still got the voice, the same moves. Great!!)
I’d add “Everything Counts in Large Amounts” by Depeche Mode. “The grabbing hands grab all they can, all for themselves after all. It’s a competitve world.”
Also “Opportunities” by the Pet Shop Boys. “I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the looks, let’s make lots of money.” Best line: “Ask yourself one question. Do you want to be rich?”
I don’t think anyone has ever beat the Beatles’ version of “Money,” on The Beatles’ Second Album.
Money don’t get everything, that’s true!
But what it don’t get, I can’t use!
In those days John Lennon was able to say those words with feeling. He wanted.
Rob
Here’a another good one, just ’cause I love Willie…
If you’ve got the money honey I’ve got the time
we’ll go honky tonkin’ and we’ll have a time
bring along your cadillac leave my ol’ wreck behind
if you’ve got the money
honey I’ve got the time!
Willie Nelson, “If You’ve Got the Money (I’ve Got the Time)”
Years ago my co-workers in purchasing tried to come up with our favorite “purchasing” songs.
#1 was Janis Joplin- Mercedes Benz
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV ?
Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me.
I wait for delivery each day until three,
So oh Lord, won’t you buy me a color TV ?
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town ?
I’m counting on you, Lord, please don’t let me down.
Prove that you love me and buy the next round,
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a night on the town ?
Everybody!
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
MO MONAY MO PROBLEMS! That’s the best. But, what about “”money money mooooonay” from the apprentice and Donald Trump?
Rgds,
RB
RB30RB40
Considering the current events lately with the economy, I’m really surprised you missed “Ka-Ching” on your list (by Shania Twain). Private tender is also a good one by the B-52′s.
We live in a greedy little world–
That teaches every little boy and girl
To earn as much as they can possibly–
Then turn around and
Spend it foolishly
Weve created us a credit card mess
We spend the money we dont possess
Our religion is to go and blow it all
So its shoppin every sunday at the mall
All we ever want is more
A lot more than we had before
So take me to the nearest store
[chorus:]
Can you hear it ring
It makes you wanna sing
Its such a beautiful thing–ka-ching!
Lots of diamond rings
The happiness it brings
Youll live like a king
With lots of money and things
When youre broke go and get a loan
Take out another mortgage on your home
Consolidate so you can afford
To go and spend some more when
You get bored
All we ever want is more
A lot more than we had before
So take me to the nearest store
[repeat chorus]
Lets swing
Dig deeper in your pocket
Oh, yeah, ha
Come on I know youve got it
Dig deeper in your wallet
Oh
All we ever want is more
A lot more than we had before
So take me to the nearest store
[repeat chorus]
Can you hear it ring
It makes you wanna sing
Youll live like a king
With lots of money and things
Ka-ching!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I42c6RP04xU
Shopping by Barenaked Ladies-it’s meant to be ironic, about being able to buy happiness at the mall. If you haven’t heard it, it’s a very bubbly dance-y type pop song. It always makes me laugh-they wrote it after 9-11 when Bush made a statement about things getting back to normal, and people going shopping again etc.
“Well you know that it’s going to be alright
I think it’s gonna be alright
Everything will always be alright
When we go shopping
Well you know that it’s going to be alright
When we go shopping
It’s always lalalalala…
Shopping spree begin
It’s always lalalalala…
Everybody wins
So shutup
And never stop
Let’s shop
Until we drop
[CHORUS]
It’s always lalalalala…
Shopping never end
It’s always lalalalala…
Shopping with our friends
Shopping once again
It’s always lalalalala… [x4]
It’s never enough
Until you’ve got all the stuff
When the going gets rough
Just shop with somebody tough”
If you’re going to mention John Lennon, then you have to mention Working Class Hero, which is more a commentary on why society needs you to be a worker bee than money exactly per say.
whoa, you had me worried there wouldn’t be the requisite Beatles, McCartney or Lennon tunes in there until I got to #10. I also agree totally with Lennon’s cover of “Money” and with “Working Class Hero” and also let’s toss George’s “Tax Man” in there because, nothing’s for sure ‘cept Death and Taxes.
Great post. Definitely enjoyed the blast from the past and the new videos. Love it.
Very cool idea and I enjoyed listening to old favorites.
I vote for the Stones’ “Can’t Always Get what you Want” for your radio intro because getting what you need is so much more important!
Don’t forget:
“Money money money/ must be funny/ in a rich man’s world… all the things I could do, if I had a little money…”
All good songs– but Steve Miller gets my vote!
The classic — Monty Python’s Money Song. Wish I could find a link to the video from MPFC but here is a link to an audio file with lyrics:
http://www.rhapsody.com/monty-pythons-flying-circus/monty-python-sings/money-song/lyrics.html
And here is a link to a mashup on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sNJhX0x7yI
Don’t forget “Big Money” by Rush
Big money goes around the world
Big money underground
Big money got a mighty voice
Big money make no sound
Big money pull a million strings
Big money hold the prize
Big money weave a mighty web
Big money draw the flies
Sometimes pushing people around
Sometimes pulling out the rug
Sometimes pushing all the buttons
Sometimes pulling out the plug
Its the power and the glory
Its a war in paradise
Its a cinderella story
On a tumble of the dice
Big money goes around the world
Big money take a cruise
Big money leave a mighty wake
Big money leave a bruise
Big money make a million dreams
Big money spin big deals
Big money make a mighty head
Big money spin big wheels
Sometimes building ivory towers
Sometimes knocking castles down
Sometimes building you a stairway –
Lock you underground
Its that old-time religion
Its the kingdom they would rule
Its the fool on television
Getting paid to play the fool
Big money goes around the world
Big money give and take
Big money done a power of good
Big money make mistakes
Big money got a heavy hand
Big money take control
Big money got a mean streak
Big money got no soul…