About the song
Dire Straits’ 1985 hit “Money for Nothing” is a defining track of the rock genre, known for its iconic guitar riff and satirical lyrics. Featured on their album Brothers in Arms, the song critiques the music industry and the superficiality of rock star fame.
The song opens with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history, played by Mark Knopfler, whose signature fingerstyle technique gives the song its distinctive sound. The lyrics, delivered with a biting edge, were inspired by a conversation Knopfler overheard in an appliance store, where workers were commenting on the ease of rock star life.
“Money for Nothing” features backing vocals by Sting, who also co-wrote the song and added a catchy hook with the line “I want my MTV.” The track’s blend of rock, pop, and witty social commentary helped it become a major hit, earning numerous awards and heavy rotation on MTV.
For fans of Dire Straits, “Money for Nothing” is a standout track that exemplifies the band’s musical prowess and clever songwriting. For new listeners, it serves as a powerful introduction to the band’s influential sound and the cultural impact they had in the 1980s.
Video
Lyric
Now look at them yo-yos, that’s the way you do itYou play the guitar on the MTVThat ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do itMoney for nothin’ and your chicks for freeNow that ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do itLemme tell ya, them guys ain’t dumbMaybe get a blister on your little fingerMaybe get a blister on your thumbWe got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveriesWe got to move these refrigerators, we got to move these color TVsSee the little faggot with the earring and the make upYeah, buddy, that’s his own hairThat little faggot got his own jet airplaneThat little faggot, he’s a millionaireWe got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveriesWe got to move these refrigerators, we gotta move these color TVsWe got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveriesWe got to move these refrigerators, we got to move these color TVsLooky here, look outI shoulda learned to play the guitarI shoulda learned to play them drumsLook at that mama, she got it stickin’ in the camera manWe could have someAnd he’s up there, what’s that?Hawaiian noises?Bangin’ on the bongos like a chimpanzeeThat ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do itGet your money for nothin’, get your chicks for freeWe got to install microwave ovens, custom kitchen deliveriesWe got to move these refrigerators, we gotta move these color TVsListen hereNow that ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do itYou play the guitar on the MTVThat ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do itMoney for nothin’ and your chicks for freeMoney for nothin’, chicks for freeGet your money for nothin’ and your chicks for freeOoh, money for nothin’, chicks for freeMoney for nothin’, chicks for free (money, money, money)Money for nothin’, chicks for freeGet your money for nothin’, get your chicks for freeGet your money for nothin’ and the chicks for freeGet your money for nothin’ and the chicks for freeLook at that, look at thatGet 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’