25 Best Country Songs About Money
Contents
“Cost of Livin’” by Ronnie Dunn
Song Year: 2011
Written as a response to the Great Recession in 2008, “Cost of Livin’” is a song telling the story of a job interview, answering a range of questions as a man introduces himself. He’s willing to do almost anything, including working more than full-time, to get a job if it means he can get some money to deal with the rising cost of living.
It’s a pointed reminder that money isn’t always enough. When costs change, what used to be acceptable may not be working anymore, so people have to keep trying to climb higher.
“Rich and Miserable” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2016
Country songs often take a dimmer view of money than some other genres, and Kenny Chesney’s song here is no exception. His lyrics focus on the way most people keep working, citing that they’ll never be happy until they’re rich and miserable. The paradox is a key aspect of the song, as enough can never be enough.
Money can remove some unhappiness, but after solving immediate needs, it’s true that it doesn’t do anything to make your life happier. That theme is on full display in this heartfelt song about life.
“A Good Run of Bad Luck” by Clint Black
Song Year: 1994
Written for the movie “Maverick,” Clint Black’s song focuses on gambling and the willingness to bet on a run of bad luck. While you can interpret this in many ways, a common view is that it represents the idea that after a string of bad luck, turnarounds can be sudden and dramatic.
Statistically, a high enough number of attempts in gambling will always move toward the average. However, there can be long streaks that are well away from the average, but it’s a fallacy to assume those will continue or have a sudden reversal.
“Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous” by Tracy Byrd
Song Year: 1994
Tracy Byrd’s 1994 song tells the story of a television crew coming to film a family that isn’t as wealthy as some others but still has the opportunity to show how they live to a TV crew. This song has a much wider range of interpretations than many others, as you can see it as a positive or a negative that their lives can provide entertainment for others.
“Workin’ for a Livin’” by Huey Lewis
Song Year: 1982
Originally sung by Huey Lewis and made more famous after a duet version with Garth Brooks in 2007, this song focuses on money troubles and the life of a man who’s continuing to work for his living.
Like most country songs about money, you can interpret this tune in several ways. A good work ethic is often virtuous, but the fact that it’s not helping people earn nearly enough is a feeling that more and more people can relate to.
“All My Ex’s Live In Texas” by George Strait
Song Year: 1987
More comedic than most of the other songs on this list, George Strait’s song isn’t obviously about money but touches on it with the idea that the law might be looking for him, presumably to get him to pay up what he might owe to others.
The song’s character is also on the run, avoiding the state he’d most like to be in and living in Tennessee instead. It’s a jolly tune despite the lyrics and can serve as a break from the melancholy style that most of the rest of this list has.
“Beer Money” by Kip Moore
Song Year: 2012
“Beer Money” is a tune that touches on the lives of regular Americans, emphasizing a couple that’s barely making ends meet. However, in this case, it barely means they’re still managing it and have a little money left over at the end, choosing to spend it on beer and having a good time together.
“Check Cashin’ Country” by Midland
Song Year: 2017
A relatively modern country song about money, “Check Cashin’ Country” is a song about Midland’s lifestyle and some of their experiences on the road, including what they have to do to try and reach their next gig. They’ve seen quite a bit of success with the release of this song, though, as they point out that they aren’t making music just to get money out of it.
While learning an instrument is one thing, being a truly successful musician takes a lot more time, effort, and skill than many people realize.
“Minimum Wage” by Blake Shelton
Song Year: 2021
Blake Shelton may be wealthy these days, but he hasn’t forgotten the lifestyles of the people who support anyone else. “Minimum Wage” is ultimately a romance song, discussing his feelings for a lover who made even the simplest things in life feel like they’re worth far more than they are.
It’s another refrain in country’s style of saying that love and relationships ultimately matter more and that it’s often better to be satisfied with the simpler things in life.
“Summer Job Money” by Chris Lane
Song Year: 2021
“Summer Job Money” is another story in song form, where the protagonist of the story starts following his father’s advice to save up money for college early. From there, it transitions to his focus on a relationship and an acknowledgment that if he’d met his lover when he was younger, he probably would have blown all the money he was saving.
“Rich” by Maren Morris
Song Year: 2018
Country songs about music that come from female singers are relatively rare, though there are a few on this list. Maren Morris’ “Rich” takes the old idea of getting a bit of money every time someone acts a certain way and dials it to the max, using it as a metaphor for problems in a relationship. It’s some clever lyric writing, all backed by a catchy country tune.
“Tip Jar” by Jackson Michelson
Song Year: 2021
“Tip Jar” is a song about love and breakups, starting with being apart after almost a year together. Michelson ties in several other thoughts in this song, including a desire to find new music and a willingness to tip a band to help him make new memories in his favorite place.
It’s a tight look at emotion, as well as the idea that things aren’t always reckless if they’re necessary to move on.
Top Country Songs About Money, Final Thoughts
Country songs about music trend toward melancholy, but they have a few optimistic and comedic hits as well. If you’re looking for songs that take a more blue-collar perspective about wealth, the songs above are a great place to start.
