The O’Jays – For The Love of Money

The O’Jays – “For The Love of Money”: A Soulful Anthem of Greed and Power

Released in 1973, “For the Love of Money” by The O’Jays stands as one of the defining tracks of the 1970s soul and funk era. Known for its pulsating rhythm, infectious groove, and socially-conscious message, the song became an anthem not just for its catchy beat, but for its critique of greed and the powerful forces behind the pursuit of wealth. With its unforgettable bassline and powerful lyrics, “For The Love of Money” continues to resonate with listeners today, reflecting a timeless exploration of the corrupting influence of money.

The O’Jays: A Pillar of Soul and Funk Music

The O’Jays, formed in the late 1950s, are considered one of the most influential groups in the soul and R&B genres. While they initially started out as a gospel group, they later became known for their smooth blend of soul, funk, and Philly sound. Their collaborations with legendary producers like Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff helped them define the sound of 1970s soul music. The O’Jays’ ability to mix upbeat, danceable tunes with socially conscious messages made them both commercially successful and artistically respected.

With songs like “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers,” the group became synonymous with the Philly soul sound, a genre characterized by lush orchestration, tight rhythm sections, and lyrics that often tackled real-world issues. But it’s “For The Love of Money” that stands as one of their most iconic tracks, marking a shift toward deeper, more provocative themes in soul music.

“For The Love of Money”: A Song About the Dangers of Greed

The core message of “For The Love of Money” is straightforward but powerful: the pursuit of wealth can lead to corruption, betrayal, and the erosion of moral values. The song opens with a driving bassline that immediately grabs your attention, setting the tone for what is to come. As the horns kick in and the rhythm section follows suit, the lyrics dive into a cautionary tale about how money can consume and distort people’s priorities.

“For the love of money, people will steal from their mother,
For the love of money, people will rob their own brother,”
the song’s chorus starkly declares.

These words speak to the lengths to which people will go to gain wealth, showing how money can strip away humanity and replace love, trust, and family ties with greed and selfishness. The song’s lyrics resonate with anyone who has witnessed or experienced the ways that the pursuit of money can alter a person’s character and relationships.

Beyond just describing personal greed, “For The Love of Money” also comments on broader societal and economic systems. The song critiques the materialistic mindset that pervades society, where the value of a person is often measured by their financial status, and the desire for money takes precedence over more meaningful, lasting pursuits. It’s a reflection on how money—though it may provide comfort or security—can also be a source of stress, conflict, and moral compromise.

The Funk and Soul of “For The Love of Money”

What sets “For The Love of Money” apart from other tracks of its era is not just its message, but its musical composition. The song’s funky, bass-driven beat is instantly recognizable, and the arrangement perfectly complements the song’s theme. The rhythm section—especially the bassline—creates a steady, pulsating groove that draws listeners in, while the horns and strings provide the lush Philly sound that was so distinctive during the era.

The O’Jays’ powerful harmonies and lead vocals inject emotion into the song, turning a simple message into an impassioned call to reflect on the consequences of greed. The lyrics are backed by a driving rhythm that intensifies as the song progresses, making it both an anthem of warning and a celebration of the powerful grooves of 1970s soul music. It’s a perfect balance of social commentary and musical mastery, making the track both thought-provoking and irresistible to dance to.

The Legacy and Impact of “For The Love of Money”

Upon its release, “For The Love of Money” became an instant classic, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and becoming one of The O’Jays’ signature songs. The song’s enduring popularity is due to its timeless message and the powerful fusion of soul and funk. Its impact can still be felt today, with the track being used in films, commercials, and television shows, reminding audiences of the potent influence of money on human nature.

The song’s theme of greed and corruption continues to resonate in contemporary society, where the pursuit of wealth often overshadows more altruistic goals. “For The Love of Money” serves as a reminder that, while money may provide comfort, it can also lead to personal and societal decay if it becomes the sole focus of our lives.

Additionally, the song’s influence can be seen in the countless artists who have sampled or covered it over the years, proving that its message is just as relevant today as it was when it first hit the airwaves. The O’Jays’ influence on the world of soul, funk, and R&B cannot be overstated, and “For The Love of Money” is one of their crowning achievements in terms of both musicality and cultural impact.

Conclusion: A Timeless Anthem

“For The Love of Money” by The O’Jays remains a powerful and relevant anthem about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth. With its catchy, funky beat and thought-provoking lyrics, the song continues to inspire listeners to reflect on the role of money in their lives. The O’Jays’ masterful blend of soulful melodies with socially conscious themes makes this track a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Whether you’re dancing to its groove or reflecting on its deep message, “For The Love of Money” is a song that transcends time, making it an essential part of the soundtrack of American soul music.

Lyrics: For The Love of Money

Money, money, money, money, money [6x]
Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y’all, do things
Do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things
Do things, good things with it
Talk about cash money, money
Talk about cash money
Dollar bills, yall

For the love of money
People will steal from their mother
For the love of money
People will rob their own brother
For the love of money
People can’t even walk the street
Because they never know
Who in the world they’re gonna beat
For that lean, mean, mean green
Almighty dollar, money

For the love of money
People will lie, Lord, they will cheat
For the love of money
People don’t care who they hurt or beat
For the love of money
A woman will sell her precious body
For a small piece of paper
It carries a lot of weight
Call it lean, mean, mean green

Almighty dollar

I know money is the root of all evil
Do funny things to some people
Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime
Money can drive some people out of their minds

Got to have it, I really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Some people really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Got to have it, I really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Lay down, lay down, a woman will lay down
For the love of money
All for the love of money
Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money rule you
For the love of money
Money can change people sometimes
Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money fool you
Money can fool people sometimes
People, don’t let money, don’t let money change you
It will keep on changing, changing up your mind