20 Country Songs About Money and the Lessons You Can Learn

Country music.

Country music has evolved greatly throughout the years, but at the heart of it are themes about regular people trying to make it in an often-challenging world. Uniquely American, country music songs range from love and relationships, to life and death, to yes, money.

Country Songs About Money

Believe it or not, there are quite a few country songs about money, and they aren’t just about spending it (although there is plenty of that too). In fact, some of the greatest country songs about money seek to teach valuable life lessons.

“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton (1980)

Written and performed by Dolly Parton for the 1980 movie of the same name (which she also starred in), both song and film were inspired by the 9to5 organization founded in 1973 that sought fair pay and treatment for women in the workplace. The song has since become somewhat of an anthem for 9 to 5ers in the U.S.

“Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind”

“Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind” tells the story of a young man growing up and coming to understand his father’s lessons about what really matters in life. The young man goes from being young and jealous of others and their material things, to buying material things of his own, to finally realizing that none of those things really matter.

“(This Thing Called) Wantin’ and Havin’ it All”

The song tells the story of an old rich man who is preparing for end of his life. His children don’t come around because they’re just waiting for him to die. He realizes that money may have given him power, but it hasn’t given him what he really wants and how wanting for nothing has shaped his children.

“Goin’ Through the Big D (and Don’t Mean Dallas)”

This song has a serious message set to an upbeat and carefree tune. It warns of the dangers of jumping into things too soon without planning and forethought. This mantra is true of almost everything: relationships, careers, businesses, money. You will need to take risks but it’s also important to shield yourself against setbacks.

“Ka-Ching!” – Shania Twain (2003)

“Ka-Ching” deals with the consumerist culture in the U.S., with the recurring line “all we ever want is more” as the central theme. The message here is clear: the goal has become to make as much money as possible, then go spend it all thinking that “lots of money and things” will make you happy.

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