Pink Floyd’s “Money” is one of the most iconic songs from their seminal album “The Dark Side of the Moon.” This track, with its distinct cash register sounds and biting lyrics, offers a penetrating critique of society’s obsession with wealth. The song’s lyrics, written by Roger Waters, touch upon themes of greed, materialism, and the corrupting power of money. For young music enthusiasts and those interested in cultural critiques, understanding the deeper meanings behind “Money” can offer valuable insights into both the song and the era it represents.
In this blog post, we will break down the lyrics of “Money,” exploring each verse and refrain to uncover the messages Pink Floyd embedded within. We will also discuss how these themes are still relevant today and what we can learn from them.
The Meaning of “Money” by Pink Floyd
“Money” by Pink Floyd, it’s a timeless anthem that captures the complexities and contradictions of wealth in modern society. With its iconic bassline and thought-provoking lyrics, the track delves into the paradox of how money can both liberate and enslave. It unpacks the human pursuit for financial gain, questioning the true cost of our material obsessions. Each verse serves as a mirror, reflecting society’s relentless chase for prosperity, while the haunting instrumental breaks remind us of the emptiness that often accompanies it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to classic rock, “Money” compels you to reconsider the value and meaning of currency in your own life.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Money, get away
Get a good job with more pay, and you’re okay
Money, it’s a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
[Refrain]
New car, caviar, four-star daydream
Think I’ll buy me a football team
[Verse 2]
Money, get back
I’m alright, Jack, keep your hands off of my stack
Money, it’s a hit
Ah, don’t give me that do-goody-good bullshit
[Refrain]
I’m in the hi-fidelity first class travelling set
And I think I need a Learjet
[Verse 3]
Money, it’s a crime
Share it fairly, but don’t take a slice of my pie
Money, so they say
Is the root of all evil today
[Refrain]
But if you ask for a rise
It’s no surprise that they’re giving none away
[Outro: David Gilmour]
Away, away, away
Away, away, away, away
Ooh
Away, ooh
Ooh, ooh
No, no, no
Wooh, wooh-ooh-ooh
No, no, no
Bah, bah, bah
Wah-bah-bah-woo-hoo-wa-hoo
Do-da-wa
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-da-do
Woo
[Spoken Outro: Overlapping Voices]
“Yeah, (*laughter*) I was in the right”
“Yes, absolutely in the right”
“I certainly was in the right”
“Yeah, I was definitely in the right; that geezer was cruising for a bruising”
“Yeah!”
“Why does anyone do anything?”
“I don’t know, I was really drunk at the time”
“I was just telling him it was in, he could get it in number two. He was asking why it wasn’t coming up on fader eleven. After, I was yelling and screaming and telling him why it wasn’t coming up on fader eleven. It came to a heavy blow, which sorted the matter out…”
The Intriguing Opening Verse
Money, Get Away
The song begins with the line, “Money, get away.” This opening sets the stage for the entire song, suggesting that money is something that should be kept at a distance. It poses an interesting paradox because people usually strive to get closer to money. However, the command to “get away” hints at the toxicity and complications money brings into our lives.
Get a Good Job With More Pay, And You’re Okay
This line encapsulates a common societal belief that financial stability equals life stability. It suggests that securing a well-paying job is the solution to life’s problems. While there is some truth to this idea, it also perpetuates the notion that money is the ultimate goal. In reality, financial stability does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
Money, It’s A Gas
Here, “gas” is used as a metaphor, signifying that money is both exhilarating and fleeting. Just like gas, money can drive us forward, but it can also evaporate quickly. This line highlights the temporary nature of material wealth and how it can give an illusion of lasting happiness.
The Temptation of Luxury
New Car, Caviar, Four-Star Daydream
This refrain lists items typically associated with luxury and success—new cars, caviar, and high-class experiences. These symbols of wealth are often portrayed as the ultimate dreams to aspire to. However, they are just daydreams, suggesting that the pursuit of material wealth is illusory and can distract from more meaningful pursuits.
Think I’ll Buy Me A Football Team
The notion of buying a football team represents an extreme level of wealth, where money is used not for necessity but for extravagant, ego-driven purchases. This line underscores the absurdity of unchecked consumerism and how it can lead to irrational decisions.
The Alienating Nature of Wealth
Money, Get Back
In the second verse, the singer demands, “Money, get back.” This reinforces the idea that money is something that should be kept at arm’s length. While the earlier command to “get away” was more general, this line feels more personal, almost as if the singer has experienced the negative effects of wealth firsthand.
I’m Alright, Jack, Keep Your Hands Off Of My Stack
“I’m alright, Jack” captures an attitude of selfishness and disregard for others once financial comfort is achieved. This phrase speaks to the isolation that wealth can bring, making people more protective and mistrusting, concerned only with preserving their own “stack” of money.
Money, It’s A Hit
Here, “hit” implies both a successful venture and the addictive nature of money. Just as one can become addicted to drugs, one can become addicted to the pursuit and acquisition of wealth. This line exposes the seductive nature of money and its potential to captivate and control.
Critique of Moral Superiority
Ah, Don’t Give Me That Do-Goody-Good Bullshit
This line dismisses the moralizing attitudes that often accompany discussions about wealth. It indicates frustration with those who preach about ethical behavior while perhaps being hypocritical themselves. It serves as a critique of moral superiority and the disconnect between words and actions when it comes to money.
The Elite Lifestyle
I’m In The Hi-Fidelity First Class Travelling Set
This refrain portrays a life of luxury and exclusivity. Being in the “hi-fidelity first class travelling set” means living a life where everything is top-notch, from travel to daily comforts. This line highlights the separation between the wealthy and the rest of society, emphasizing how money can create a divide.
And I Think I Need A Learjet
The desire for a Learjet further underscores the theme of excess. It indicates that no matter how much one has, there is always something more to covet. This insatiable desire is a fundamental critique of consumer culture and the endless cycle of wanting more.
Money and Morality
Money, It’s A Crime
In the third verse, money is equated to crime, suggesting that the accumulation of wealth often involves unethical behavior. This line challenges the glorification of wealth by pointing out the moral compromises that can accompany its pursuit.
Share It Fairly, But Don’t Take A Slice Of My Pie
This line speaks to the hypocrisy surrounding wealth distribution. It acknowledges the idea of fairness but immediately retracts it by insisting on keeping one’s own wealth intact. This duality highlights the selfishness that can pervade discussions about equity and sharing.
Money, So They Say, Is The Root Of All Evil Today
This line references the famous saying that money is the root of all evil. It challenges listeners to consider the ethical implications of their relationship with money and the broader societal impact of wealth.
The Irony of Asking for More
But If You Ask For A Rise
The final refrain introduces the irony of asking for a raise. Despite the recognition that money is problematic, people still feel compelled to seek more of it. This line reflects the inherent contradiction in our attitudes towards money.
It’s No Surprise That They’re Giving None Away
This line speaks to the stinginess and reluctance of those in power to share wealth. It underscores the broader societal issues of income inequality and the challenges of achieving financial fairness.
The Haunting Outro
Away, Away, Away
The outro, filled with repetitive “away” chants and overlapping voices, creates an unsettling atmosphere. It symbolizes the elusive nature of money and the endless pursuit that leads nowhere. The overlapping voices add to the chaos, representing various perspectives and the confusion surrounding money and its role in our lives.
The Spoken Words
The spoken outro includes snippets of conversation that add a layer of realism to the song. These voices reflect the everyday struggles and frustrations people face, grounding the song’s abstract concepts in real-life experiences.
Conclusion
Pink Floyd’s “Money” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful commentary on wealth, greed, and societal values. By breaking down the lyrics, we can uncover the multiple layers of meaning and understand the critiques Roger Waters and the band are making. The themes explored in “Money” are timeless, still relevant today as we grapple with issues of income inequality, materialism, and the true value of wealth.
For fans of Pink Floyd, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in cultural critiques, “Money” offers valuable lessons and insights. It encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with money and consider the broader implications of our pursuit of wealth.
If you’re interested in more deep dives into iconic songs and their meanings, stay tuned to our blog. And remember, sometimes the best things in life aren’t things at all.