Pink Floyd, Money | FIERCE Pop + Rock

In the 10^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we highlight “Money” performed by iconic prog rock band, Pink Floyd.

“Money, so they say / Is the root of all evil today.” Bring on the bold, FIERCE tracks! FIERCE Pop + Rock provides background information and insight into pop, rock, and metal songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 10^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we explore “Money” performed by iconic prog rock band, Pink Floyd.

Iconic progressive rock band Pink Floyd is the definition of FIERCE, known for exhibiting innovative spirit throughout their illustrious career. Among the collective’s most celebrated albums is The Dark Side of the Moon from 1973. The crowning achievement from The Dark Side of the Moon is… “Money”, written by bassist, Roger Waters.  Besides composing the record, his bass line is utterly sick.  All in all, on “Money,” the musicianship is top-notch – through the roof.  Set in an unconventional 7/4 time signature, the record has a bluesy, jazz sensibility in addition to being idiomatic of rock.  It’s further amplified by money sound effects, the use Wurlitzer electric piano and Wah-wah pedal ( Richard Wright), and a killer tenor saxophone solo ( Dick Parry).

Of course, you cannot mention “Money” without shouting out guitar and vocalist David Gilmour.  He brings Waters lyrics to life sensationally. Early on, he speaks about the power and dangerousness of the five-letter word. “Money, it’s a gas,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.” Maybe more memorable is the profane lyric from the second verse: “Money, it’s a hit / Ah, don’t give me that do-goody-good-bullshit.” That is a mic drop moment for sure! Another memorable moment is where Gilmour highlights greed at its, well, greediest: “I’m in a high-fidelity first class traveling set / And I think I need a Learjet.” Oh, capitalism! Money aside, there is nothing evil about the top-20 prog rock classic that is “Money”.

Pink Floyd • The Dark Side of The Moon • Pink Floyd Music Ltd. • 1973

Pink Floyd, “Money”: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 10 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Pink Floyd Music Ltd.; Conna Lee, Madelin Berry, anna-m. w., Johan  Duran, RODNAE Productions via Pexels; Pete Linforth via Pixabay]