“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
My first encounter with “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits was during a late-night drive, the electric guitar riffs cutting through the hum of the highway like a siren call. It was a moment of musical revelation that stuck with me, highlighting the power of rock to capture and convey societal commentary.
About The Composition
- Title: Money for Nothing
- Composer: Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits
- Premiere Date: 1985
- Album/Opus/Collection: Brothers in Arms
- Genre: Rock
Background
“Money for Nothing” was born out of Mark Knopfler’s experience in an appliance store, where he overheard an employee deriding musicians on MTV. This slice of life from the mid-80s captures the era’s cultural ethos and burgeoning music television scene. Initially released on the Dire Straits’ fifth album, “Brothers in Arms,” it quickly became a hit, noted for its groundbreaking music video and candid societal critique.
Musical Style
This track is renowned for its distinctive guitar riff and its innovative use of synthesizers, which marked a significant development in rock music. The introduction, featuring Sting singing the melody of his song “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” sets a haunting backdrop for the explosive entry of Knopfler’s guitar.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Money for Nothing” are a direct transcript of the store worker’s rant, offering a raw look at consumerism and celebrity culture. The repetitive chorus juxtaposes with the verses’ narrative style, enhancing the song’s thematic punch.
Performance History
Over the decades, “Money for Nothing” has been a staple in Dire Straits’ concerts, featuring in numerous live performances that have underscored its popularity and influence.
Cultural Impact
The song’s use in MTV’s early days, coupled with its critical perspective on television’s role in shaping perceptions, cemented its place in cultural discussions. It also sparked debates on language sensitivity, reflecting evolving social norms.
Legacy
Today, “Money for Nothing” remains a potent symbol of 80s rock music, its lyrical directness and musical boldness continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Reflecting on “Money for Nothing” is to dive into a pivotal moment in rock history. For those new to Dire Straits, the Brothers in Arms album offers the perfect starting point to experience their innovative sound and incisive lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Now look at them yo-yos, that’s the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it
Money for nothin’ and your chicks for free
Now that ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it
Lemme tell ya, them guys ain’t dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger
Maybe get a blister on your thumb
We got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveries
We got to move these refrigerators, we got to move these color TVs
See the little faggot with the earring and the make up
Yeah, buddy, that’s his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot, he’s a millionaire
We got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveries
We got to move these refrigerators, we gotta move these color TVs
We got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveries
We got to move these refrigerators, we got to move these color TVs
Looky here, look out
I shoulda learned to play the guitar
I shoulda learned to play them drums
Look at that mama, she got it stickin’ in the camera man
We could have some
And he’s up there, what’s that?
Hawaiian noises?
Bangin’ on the bongos like a chimpanzee
That ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it
Get your money for nothin’, get your chicks for free
We got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveries
We got to move these refrigerators, we gotta move these color TVs
Listen here
Now that ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it
Money for nothin’ and your chicks for free
Money for nothin’, chicks for free
Get your money for nothin’ and your chicks for free
Ooh, money for nothin’, chicks for free
Money for nothin’, chicks for free (money, money, money)
Money for nothin’, chicks for free
Get your money for nothin’, get your chicks for free
Get your money for nothin’ and the chicks for free
Get your money for nothin’ and the chicks for free
Look at that, look at that
Get your money for nothin’ (I want my, I want my)
Chicks for free (I want my MTV)
Money for nothin’, chicks for free (I want my, I want my, I want my MTV)
Get your money for nothin’ (I want my, I want my)
And the chicks for free (I want my MTV)
Get your money for nothin’ (I want my, I want my)
And the chicks for free (I want my MTV)
Easy, easy money for nothin’ (I want my, I want my)
Easy, easy chicks for free (I want my MTV)
Easy, easy money for nothin’ (I want my, I want my)
Chicks for free (I want my MTV)
That ain’t workin’
Money for nothing, chicks for free
Money for nothing, chicks for free