Songs about greed discuss the strong human desire for more, whether it is wealth, power, or possessions, and the consequences that come with it. These songs often reveal how greed can lead to selfishness, corruption, and harm in relationships and society.

Musicians use various styles, from rock and pop to hip hop and metal, to express different perspectives on greed. Some songs critique materialism and the endless pursuit of money, while others portray ambition and excess as driving forces in life.

Through catchy rhythms, powerful lyrics, and emotional delivery, these songs invite listeners to reflect on how greed shapes human behavior and cultural values, showing both its appeal and its darker effects.

Below is a list of songs that talk about different forms of greed.

1. Money by Pink Floyd

A progressive rock classic that critiques capitalism and society’s obsession with wealth. Its unique 7/4 time signature and cash register sound effects made it popular.

2. Gold Digger by Kanye West

A chart-topping hip-hop anthem featuring Jamie Foxx, expressing themes of materialism and gold-digging relationships with clever lyrics and a Ray Charles sample.

3. Material Girl by Madonna

This catchy pop track became a cultural phenomenon, portraying a woman who values wealth and glamor over romance, all with a wink of satire.

4. Money (That’s What I Want) by Barrett Strong

Motown’s first hit song conveys a raw and honest message about the power and necessity of money, accompanied by a driving beat and soulful vocals.

5. I Want It All by Queen

A powerful rock anthem that depicts ambition, drive, and the hunger for success, often associated with both personal goals and broader societal desires.

6. Greedy by Ariana Grande

An upbeat pop track from Dangerous Woman, Greedy is all about wanting more, especially love, attention, and affection, with a funky, disco-inspired twist.

7. Greed Killing by Napalm Death

This aggressive grindcore anthem attacks the corrupting inspiration of greed and social apathy, highlighting the band’s anti-capitalist stance with brutal intensity.

8. Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd

A biting satire of the music industry, Have a Cigar critiques insincere corporate attitudes through cynical lyrics and a gritty rock sound.

9. Love Is Greed by Passion Pit

This indie pop song expresses the self-serving aspects of love, pairing upbeat synth sounds with darker lyrical undertones that convey emotional greed.

10. Déjà Vu by Roger Waters

A haunting, political track that critiques war, greed, and social inequality, “Déjà Vu” shows Waters’ signature storytelling and philosophical depth.

11. Opportunities by Pet Shop Boys

A sharp and stylish synth-pop anthem, Opportunities pokes fun at 1980s consumerism and the obsession with wealth, featuring catchy beats and satirical lyrics.

12. Greatest Greed by In Flames

This heavy metal track gets into the emotional toll and internal destruction caused by insatiable greed, wrapped in intense riffs and powerful vocals.

13. Too Much by Dave Matthews Band

Too Much discusses the overwhelming excesses of modern life, from food to family, with funky instrumentation and ironic lyrical twists.

14. I Wanted Everything by Ramones

This punk rock number highlighted youthful frustration and the reckless desire to have it all, with a rebellious and raw energy.

15. For The Love Of Money by The O’Jays

This soul-funk classic delivers a powerful warning against greed, showcasing slick bass lines and a message that still rings true decades later.

16. Piggies by The Beatles

Piggies is a satirical track by George Harrison, highlighting social elites and consumerist greed through whimsical yet biting lyrics and classical-inspired instrumentation.

17. Greed by Ann Wilson

Ann Wilson’s “Greed” is a powerful rock track that tackles the dark emotional and societal effects of excessive ambition, carried by her vocal intensity.

18. Midas Touch by Midnight Star

Midas Touch is a funk-filled, synth-laced celebration of charisma and appeal, likening wealth and attraction to the mythical Midas’s golden gift.

19. Eat the Rich by Aerosmith

A deep cut from Green Day, Coffin’s on Sale offers a raw punk perspective on consumerism and mortality, channeling early garage punk grit.

20. Money Talks by Rick James

This song is a funk-driven anthem that discusses themes of wealth’s persuasive power and the realities of economic motivation.

21. A Time to Buy by Katie Melua

This song contrasts emotional value with consumer culture, offering poetic lyrics and gentle melodies that question material priorities.

22. Money by Cardi B

It is a bold declaration of success and independence, blending swaggering beats with sharp verses celebrating wealth, power, and unapologetic ambition.

23. Rich Girl by Hall & Oates

A signature hit for Hall & Oates, Rich Girl explains entitlement and class privilege with a catchy, soulful delivery that made it a radio favorite.

24. If I Had $1,000,000 by Barenaked Ladies

This humorous and imaginative tune playfully lists whimsical things one could buy with a million dollars, wrapped in the duo’s signature lighthearted style.

25. Take the Money and Run by Steve Miller Band

This classic rock hit tells a tale of two outlaws on the run, blending storytelling and electric guitar riffs in the Steve Miller Band’s signature style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Songs About Greed Appear in All Music Genres?

Yes, themes of greed are found in rock, pop, hip hop, metal, and more.

Why is Greed Such a Popular Topic in Music?

Greed is a powerful human emotion and social issue that affects many aspects of life. Musicians use it to tell stories, critique society, or express personal struggles, making it a relatable and thought-provoking subject.