Money is a common topic in many songs, and the theme is broad, relating to ambition, success, and even motivation. Musicians from various genres have used the topic of wealth and finance to express themselves. The lyrics come from a celebratory place of ego, lessons learnt, or hope.
Whether you’re hustling to make it big or celebrating the riches you’ve earned, these songs have something for everyone. If you want motivation to help inspire you to reach your dreams or want to hear some music about money, you will enjoy our list of 30 songs that celebrate finance!
1. Hustlin' by Rick Ross
Hustlin is an awesome hip-hop track by Rick Ross about the grind. The song has a super catchy chorus: “Every day I’m hustlin’.” Ross reflects the hustle and ambition needed to achieve financial success.
2. Money (That's What I Want) by Barrett Strong
A Motown classic, Barrett Strong’s “Money” was one of the first songs to express the desire for wealth and success boldly. Its catchy refrain—“Money, that’s what I want”—has made it an enduring song about the power and necessity of financial stability.
3. I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc
The song "I Need a Dollar" is about struggles with money and tells the story of someone who’s lost their job but is trying to stay hopeful while dealing with financial stress. The song taps into the real-life stress of trying to stay afloat, which made it hit home for many listeners.
4. I Just Want It All by Kid Ink
I Just Want It All is a song that focuses on the materialistic aspect of financial success. It dreams about all the things you could get with wealth; although motivational, it does have a slight negative connotation. Kid Ink raps about chasing dreams and pursuing wealth. This track is about ambition and working to achieve the financial success and lifestyle you've always wanted.
5. If I Had a Million Dollars by Barenaked Ladies
This feel-good song by Barenaked Ladies imagines life if you suddenly came into a fortune. It's a funny song to listen to and has a parody theme due to the unusual extravagant things the singer would buy if only they had the money. The themes of living a life of luxury involve purchasing a house, tiny ketchup packets, and an exotic pet!
6. Money is Coming to Me by Bob Marley
A reggae classic, Bob Marley’s “Money is Coming to Me” is about having a positive outlook and attracting wealth. The song encourages listeners to remain optimistic and confident in their journey towards financial prosperity.
7. From Little Things Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly & Kev Carmody
This beautiful song teaches and reminds us that starting small can lead to big things. The Lyrics, "From little things, big things grow," highlight the power of perseverance and hard work. It lets us know that success comes from our daily habits. It's a metaphor that a plant or a seed will grow.
8. Success by Jay-Z ft. Nas
Success features two of the most influential hip-hop artists discussing how they reached financial success. Jay-Z and Nas reflect on their journeys to achieving wealth, addressing the costs, sacrifices, and satisfaction of making it.
9. Pennies from Heaven by Louis Prima
Pennies from Heaven by Louis Prima is about finding wealth in the most unexpected places, but it is open to interpretation. For example, the lyrics could be about how you have to appreciate the rain to be able to enjoy the sunshine, which in the case of the song is pennies. This song was one of Ray Kroc's favourites. With its upbeat rhythm, the song celebrates the idea that money can come to you from sources you least expect.
10. Money Maker by Ludacris ft. Pharrell
Ludacris’ “Money Maker” is a club track about shaking what you’ve got and making money while doing it. The song encourages people to enjoy life while still focusing on financial success, and its catchy hook makes it a perfect track to dance to while thinking about success.
11. Take the Money and Run by Steve Miller Band
This song tells the story of a couple trying to escape with stolen money. It also underscores the desire to acquire wealth by any means necessary. It’s all about getting rich fast and escaping the ordinary life.
12. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) by Pet Shop Boys
This upbeat track is about seizing opportunities to make wealth, being smart, pursuing business ventures and taking risks to achieve financial success, no matter what it takes. Our favourite line is, "I've got the brains, you've got the looks, let's make lots of money."
13. Money for Nothing by Dire Straits
With its iconic riff and catchy chorus, “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits highlights the desire for financial freedom without hard work—though it ultimately critiques the idea of getting rich without effort.
14. Billionaire by Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars
Billionaire is a fun, upbeat track in which Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars dream about the luxuries of being a billionaire. The song playfully explores the fantasies associated with having endless wealth. It could be a genuine affirmation that is used to attract billions through the law of attraction.
15. She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer
She Works Hard for the money is a song for women who work daily to earn a living. It’s a piece of music about hard work and financial independence, celebrating women who hustle.
16. I Wanna Be Rich by Calloway
I Wanna Be Rich is a feel-good song about the desire for financial wealth. It is about living a life of luxury and everything that comes with it.
17. Gold Digger by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
Gold Digger is about relationships in which wealth is the primary motivator. The song explores the dynamics of money in romantic relationships, particularly when one party is motivated by financial gain. This is sometimes true, and the song highlights the potential red flag.
18. I’m So Paid by Akon ft. Lil Wayne
“I’m So Paid” tracks financial success and living without worries. Akon and Lil Wayne celebrate their wealth and the lifestyle it affords them, focusing on enjoying the fruits of their labour.
19. C.R.E.A.M. by Wu-Tang Clan
The legendary track that stands for 'Cash Rules Everything Around Me' focuses on the need for money to survive in a complex world. The song reflects on the harsh realities of growing up without financial resources and the lengths people will go to make money.
20. Money, Money, Money by ABBA
ABBA’s catchy song “Money, Money, Money” is about the desire for wealth and the dreams it promises. The song is about trying to escape your situation by acquiring wealth.
21. Money Trees by Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Rock
“Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar reflects how wealth and success shape life in the streets. The track delves into the challenges of growing up and the dreams of escaping through money while addressing the temptations and dangers that come with it.
22. Rich Girl by Gwen Stephani
In “Rich Girl,” Gwen Stefani imagines what it would be like to be wealthy and live a life of luxury. The book is about dreaming big, and while it touches on the materialistic aspects of wealth, it’s also about the freedom that money can bring.
23. Millionaire by Kelis ft. André 3000
“Millionaire” by Kelis and André 3000 is an energetic and funky track about the aspiration to become a millionaire. The song explores the lavish lifestyle that comes with wealth, from expensive shopping sprees to exotic vacations.
24. Money Makes the World Go Round by Liza Minnelli
This song highlights the role money plays in society. It critiques the idea that everything revolves around money yet acknowledges that money drives the world.
25. Working for a Living by Huey Lewis & The News
Huey Lewis & The News’ “Working for a Living” song is for the everyday worker. It’s about earning money the hard way and finding pride in your work to achieve financial security.
26. For the Love of Money by The O'Jays
For the Love of Money by The O'Jays explores the lengths people will go to to acquire wealth. The song warns about the dangers of prioritising money over everything else, including personal values and relationships. These 30 songs offer diverse perspectives on wealth, financial success, and the pursuit of money. Economic success isn’t just about the destination but your journey to get there.
27. Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy & Mase
"I don't know what they want from me; it's like the more money we come across, the more problems we see". This track explores the paradox of wealth: that with financial gain comes new, often unexpected challenges. It reflects the pressure and scrutiny that success brings, especially in the public eye. The line suggests that money doesn't solve all problems—it can create more.
28. All About the Benjamins – Puff Daddy ft. The Lox, Lil' Kim & The Notorious B.I.G.
"Now... what y'all wanna do? Wanna be ballers, shot-callers, brawlers". This high-energy anthem centres around chasing wealth, with "Benjamins" referencing $100 bills (which feature Benjamin Franklin). The lyrics glorify financial power, status, and the lifestyle money enables in hip-hop.
29. Got Money – Lil Wayne ft. T-Pain
"Got money, and you know it? Take it out of your pocket and show it..."—a braggadocious celebration of success and having the financial freedom to spend big. The track emphasises living in the moment and flaunting wealth, showing how far Lil Wayne has come financially.
30. A Milli – Lil Wayne
"I'm a millionaire, I'm a Young Money millionaire". It is an ego-centric track where Lil Wayne flaunts his wealth, status, and dominance. The repetitive "A Milli" (short for a million) underlines the point: he's rich and knows it. The song is a declaration of power through financial success.
