The love of money is the root of all evil. At least that’s what the Apostle Paul said to Timothy. The love of music, well, that leads to less evil things. At least that’s what I say. Granted, I’m far less of a theologian than any of the Biblical Authors, so I might be wrong. Still, judging the tree by its fruit, we see that music brings happiness, peace, and joy. So, what happens when we merge song and currency? What happens when we compose music about a wish to be rich, or about the trials of being poor? That’s what this week’s playlist, The Love of Money and Music, explores.
The Love of Money and Music includes songs about greed, gain, gluttony, poverty, and injustice – all rooted in music. Songs such as Money, Money, Money by Abba and if I had &1,000,000 dollars by the Barenaked Ladies explore what life would be like with a huge amount of money. Taxman by the Beatles, Lawyers, Guns & Money by Warren Zevon, and Bills, Bills, Bills by Destiny’s Child talk about the never-ending cycle of paying what one owes. Meanwhile, She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer and Brother Can You Spare a Dime by Bing Crosby talks about poverty, and making just enough (or not quite enough) money. AC/DC, R.E.M., The O’Jays, Rick James, Anne Murray, Chicago, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, and so many more explore the theme of money in music.
Even if you’re broke, your soul will be rich (with music) by this week’s playlist.
Omissions in The Love of Music and Money
Yes, I left out songs like All About the Benjamins, Mo Money, Mo Problems, Money on My Mind, and a thousand other classic rap songs. I feel rap in general doesn’t quite fit the flow of this specific playlist. Maybe I’ll make a second money playlist though. There were certainly enough omissions, rap, and otherwise. Also, you might take issue that I included Anne Murray’s cover of Danny’s Song, instead of the original Loggins and Messina version. I must admit, that was a hard call, but dang it! I really love Anne Murray’s vocals on the song. It reminds me of childhood, so deal with it. Maybe I’ll include the original on Money part two.
Did you read my latest article? Just yesterday, I published a piece on Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and what she meant to the formation of rock and roll. If you haven’t yet, go. Now! Read it.
Speaking of articles, I’ve got a bunch coming up! The next featured article will be a Cover vs Original on the song, I Think We’re Alone Now. I’m pretty excited to write that piece, and I hope you’ll be just as excited to read it. I’m hoping to keep the once every other week schedule on featured articles, so look for Cover vs Original: I Think We’re Alone Now in a couple of weeks (tentatively).
Till then, don’t spend all your money in one place. I have no idea what that means, but it’s something my grandpa used to tell me. Rock on, and Rocksteady!