For centuries, country songs about money have been around. Whether it’s a mournful lament for not having any or feeling dazed by having too much, it’s been a ripe topic for songwriters.
Well, there’s nothing new there, as money makes the world go round – whether one likes it or not. While it can never buy us happiness and peace of mind and shouldn’t be the most important thing in our lives, we have got to admit we need to have money to sustain our lives. Certainly, it brings freedom and security.
So, today, we’re sharing with you some of the most popular country songs about money to inspire you to overcome whatever financial hardships you are facing at the moment or just to simply jam out to some catchy tunes. Check them out below.
1. Last Dollar (Fly Away) by Tim McGraw
“Last Dollar (Fly Away)” tells the story of a man who was down to his last dollar but is still in a positive disposition. It was written by Big Kenny, one half of the duo Big & Rich, who went through a deep financial struggle following a disastrous night of gambling in Las Vegas. Luckily, Big Kenny’s career took off from that point.
2. Ka-Ching! by Shania Twain
Here’s one of the most stirring cash-themed country songs you’d surely love. Opening with the sound of a ringing cash register, “Ka-Ching” centers on consumerism.
Some of the issues the country star sings about include how this greedy little world teaches today’s kids to earn as much as they possibly can and to spend it foolishly. Shania Twain also tackles how credit cards were created for people to spend the money they don’t possess.
3. Cost of Livin’ by Ronnie Dunn
“Cost of Livin’,” tells the story of a working man presenting his skills and positive qualities during a job interview. It was revealed that the man devotedly worked for his previous employer before an economic downturn forced it to cease business operations, leading to his and his family’s financial struggles.
While Ronnie Dunn’s record label had some concerns that he’s “too wealthy to record it,” the country star noted it’s something we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
4. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
Many definitely relate to country songs about chasing the almighty dollar, such as Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” – which became an anthem for working women across the country. The song is a resentful lament of the fast-paced and less-than-satisfying life of putting in forty or even more hours a week – enough to drive you crazy – just to put money in your wallet.
5. Busted by Johnny Cash
There’s a plethora of country songs about financial struggles. One of our favorites is this sad blues song by Johnny Cash. Written by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Harlan Howard, “Busted” tells the story of a farmer struggling to scrape together even the minimum amount to feed his family and pay his bills.
So, the man went to his brother to ask for a loan – unfortunately, he is struggling just as much.
6. Money in the Bank by John Anderson
In 1993, John Anderson released what perhaps is one of the most romantic country songs about money and relationships. “Money in the Bank” is about a man who may be scraping by but still feels like a million bucks – thanks to the woman who’s been the apple of his eye. And he wouldn’t trade that love for anything, not even with a money machine.
7. Hard Workin’ Man by Brooks & Dunn
Country songs about the value of hard work and money definitely never fail to motivate us. If you’re looking for one, Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man” would surely impress you. In it, a man puts in the work, day after day, that he’s gotten good at doing things that most men can’t. And by the sweat of his brow, he got everything he needed.
8. Rich and Miserable by Kenny Chesney
It is amazing how modern country songs about money management can teach a lesson or two – such as “Rich and Miserable,” which has a theme that centers on materialism and the American dream. In it, Kenny Chesney sings about the perils of putting all your hope into your ambitions, as they often lead to more misery and despair.
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9. Beer Money by Kip Moore
Most money-related country tunes pay tribute to all Americans working hard yet still struggling financially. Released as the third single off Kip Moore’s debut album Up All Night, “Beer Money” tells the story of a man with “a little cash burning holes in my pocket.” So, when he finds a girl he likes, he spends it wisely by buying her a beer.
10. Buy Me a Boat by Chris Janson
They say money can’t buy happiness, while some say it’s the root of all evil, but Chris Janson has a different thought on it. In “Buy Me a Boat,” Janson dreams of having the money to buy the things he desires and would make his heart flutter – such as a boat or a truck to pull it.
11. Rich by Maren Morris
If you had a dollar every time your lover has done you wrong, how rich would you be? Maren Morris has the same sentiment as she sings about a relationship with an unreliable guy, making promise after promise but never ever keeping them. “Boy, I’d be rich, head to toe Prada,” she sings.
12. If I Could Make A Living by Clay Walker
Here’s one of the feel-good country songs about prosperity you’d enjoy listening to. Clay Walker’s “If I Could Make A Living” is about a man telling his woman that he would, without a doubt, be a very rich man – only if he could monetize his love for her.
13. Fancy by Reba McEntire
To some, they go to great lengths to earn a living. The story of a poor girl – who’s forced by her mother to work as a prostitute to make ends meet – in Reba McEntire’s “Fancy” captivated audiences. This made the poignant ballad one of the most beloved classic country songs about money.
14. Too Much Month (At The End Of The Money) by Marty Stuart
Here’s a song that many would surely relate to. Isn’t it frustrating when we live paycheck to paycheck? After paying essential expenses and bills, we often have little or no money left over for additional expenses. Well, this is what this song is all about.
15. Money Isn’t What Really Matters by Kenny Rogers
While this is not one of Kenny Rogers’ most popular songs, it’s one of the top country songs about wealth and success. It delivers a very important message of how nothing in this world can buy the wonders of love. So, never live for the money and focus more of your time on the people who love you.
16. Marry for Money by Trace Adkins
Here’s one of the quirkiest country songs about dreams of financial freedom we have found in Trace Adkins’ catalog. This song describes a man’s failed attempt at finding love. Bitter as he is, he decided to “marry for money” in his next relationship – regardless of who she is, as long as she would make him damn rich.
17. Workin’ for a Livin’ by Garth Brooks featuring Huey Lewis
Country songs about the cost of living make us realize quite a few things, like how the rising costs make most people’s life more difficult. “Workin’ for a Livin’,” tells the story of a man living from payday to payday. On worse days, he’s even spent the paycheck he’s not received yet. “I’ll be working here forever, at least until I die,” he thought to himself.
18. Buy Me a Rose by Kenny Rogers
One of our favorite country songs about wealth includes Kenny Rogers’ “Buy Me a Rose,” which tells the story of a husband working hard to give his wife everything she wants. However, she remains unsatisfied. Little did he know that it was the simpler gestures that she preferred.
Indeed, money and country music entirely have a great relationship right there. That’s no surprise, as there’s nothing that inspires emotion quite like money does. Anyway, we hope you enjoyed these country songs about money, which amazingly captured the essence of the financial struggles and successes of individuals in various walks of life – helping you contemplate your own relationship with wealth.
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