Top 20 musical money moments
We never miss a chance to get musical over here at Virgin HQ. So with Virgin Money Australia relaunching we decided to find the best songs ever written about money. Who said finances can't be fun? What is your favourite musical money moment?
20. Dizzee Rascal – Dirtee Cash
After going 'Bonkers' while on 'Holiday', Dizzee Rascal secured his move over to the mainstream with this song about all of the new-found money he is earning. The difference between Dirtee Cash and plain old clean money is unexplained.
19. Monty Python - Money Song
The comic kingpins turned their attention to money after already making fun of, amongst other things, llamas, lumberjacks, Jesus, King Arthur, parrots, and Agatha Christie.
18. Cabaret - Money Money
Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey perform this musical ode to money in hit film Cabaret – people now pay to see it sung onstage around the world every night.
17. ABBA – Money, Money, Money
Is it indeed a rich man's world, as ABBA so shrilly pointed out? You decide – but it certainly is a catchy tune.
16. Jet – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
The title of this lad rock favourite from the Australian band sounds a rather aggressive request, but okay Nic Cester, whatever you say.
15. Pink Floyd – Money
Roger Waters and David Gilmour don't really get on all that well any more. But they were united here on Pink Floyd's classic 'Dark Side Of The Moon' album, even including a cash register ringing among the usual loopy time signatures.
14. Jamelia – Money
Whatever happened to Jamelia? Oh, it seems a comeback from the UK pop star is imminent. Maybe she'll be performing this catchy little number at a venue near you soon.
13. Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
Everyone sings when the guitar comes in after the intro – admit it, you do too. This video looks so dated now that money quite possibly was for nothing when it was made.
12. Jamie T – If You Got The Money
The Wimbledon chancer embraced his poppier side on this memorable single, with plenty of "dee dum dum" singalongs to compliment the wry rapping. What a good idea, rhyming 'money' with 'funny' – wonder how many songs in this countdown do that?
11. Notorious BIG – Mo Money Mo Problems
Does mo money actually equate to mo problems? The late Notorious BIG certainly thought so. Easy to claim when you have lots of money, mind. Sublime beat on this rap favourite.
10. Girls Aloud – Money
This positively bouncy Girls Aloud track really should have been bigger. Come on, it's much better than 'I Think We're Alone Now'. Thought admittedly not a patch on the peerless 'Something Kinda Oooh'.
9. Bruce Springsteen – Pay Me My Money Down
Seriously, if 'Something Kinda Oooh' was pure poetry, then what is "I wish I was Mr Gates/haul my money round in crates"? Genius, that's what. Altogether now…
8. The Flying Lizards – Money
Everyone from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones made an attempt at this song. But this video of The Flying Lizards version includes drumming on a teapot. Winner.
7. Simply Red – Money's Too Tight To Mention
Simply Red's guitarist has just joined Liverpool Football Club as a masseuse. That has very little to do with this cheesy favourite, but it is a good fact nonetheless.
6. The Dandy Warhols - All The Money Or The Simple Life Honey
When they weren't living lives of bohemian debauchery, The Dandy Warhols wrote songs about the very same subject. Here be one of them.
5. The Smiths – Money Changes Everything
It is debatable whether money changes everything, but it probably changed The Smiths. Before they made any they were still together, once they made some they weren't. Lovely Johnny Marr riff in this rather obscure Smiths cut though.
4. Lil Wayne – Got Money
Where would this list of money-related songs be without Lil Wayne bragging about having lots to spend? It would still be at number 5, that's where.
3. The Beatles – You Never Give Me Your Money
This mournful Paul McCartney tune was included on the masterful 'Abbey Road' and has been covered by everyone from Paloma Faith to Sufjan Stevens.
2. Little Richard – Money Honey
Elvis Presley also performed this smashing ditty, but Little Richard's version rings out, mainly for the amount of barmy shouting he does. You don't hear enough of that these days.
1. Pet Shop Boys – Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)
The warped 80s tones of the Pet Shop Boys never sounded more cynical and brilliant than on Opportunities, summing up a decade within a couple of minutes.
What is your favourite money-related song? Did we miss out your favourite? Let us know. Or head over to Virgin Money Australia to find out all about the exciting new products on offer.
Greg Rose




