Money

Roger Waters' song 'Money' delves into the complex relationship society has with wealth. The lyrics open with a straightforward directive: 'Get a good job with good pay and you're okay.' This line sets the stage for the societal belief that financial success equates to personal well-being. Waters uses the metaphor of money as a 'gas,' something that fuels our desires and ambitions, urging listeners to 'grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.' The imagery of luxury items like a new car, caviar, and even the whimsical idea of buying a football team highlights the materialistic dreams that money can buy.

As the song progresses, Waters shifts to a more critical tone. The line 'But I'm all right Jack, keep your hands off of my stack' reflects a selfish attitude towards wealth, emphasizing the possessiveness and greed that often accompany financial success. The mention of 'high-fidelity, first class, travelling set' and the need for a Lear jet underscores the excesses of the wealthy, who live in a world far removed from the average person. Waters critiques this lifestyle, pointing out the hypocrisy in the line 'But don't give me that do goody good bullshit,' suggesting that the wealthy often dismiss moral considerations when it comes to their riches.

The song culminates in a stark observation: 'Money, it's a crime. Share it fairly, but don't take a slice of my pie.' This line encapsulates the inherent contradiction in the capitalist mindset—while there is an acknowledgment that wealth should be distributed more equitably, there is also a reluctance to part with one's own share. Waters concludes with the adage 'Money is the root of all evil today,' but adds a modern twist by highlighting the reluctance of employers to give raises, pointing out the systemic issues in how wealth is distributed. Through 'Money,' Roger Waters offers a biting critique of the allure and corruption of wealth, urging listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards money and materialism.