The Meaning Behind The Song: Money Changes Everything by Cyndi Lauper
A Song Born Out Of Real-Life Experiences
A Song Born Out Of Real-Life Experiences
Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 hit “Money Changes Everything” is undoubtedly one of the most memorable songs of its time. It reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became a staple on MTV.
Often overshadowed by her monster hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “Money Changes Everything” is a song that the singer/songwriter holds dear to her heart. Lauper says she wrote the song based on her own experiences and those of her friend.
The Inspirations Behind The Song
According to Lauper, she and her co-writer, Tom Gray, wrote the song based on Gray’s own experiences. Gray, the lead singer of the Brains, wrote the song after breaking up with his girlfriend, who then spent all of the money he gave her for rent on shoes and clothes.
Lauper related to the story, saying she had a friend in a similar predicament. She realized that money changes people, and that’s how the song was born.
The Lyrics: Building The Narrative
Lauper’s vivid lyrics detail the story of a person whose lover “needs” money and promises the world in return. However, as soon as they obtain that money, the lover changes, forgetting all of their promises and leaving the protagonist in the lurch.
The chorus sums up the message of the song: “Money Changes Everything.”
The Reception To The Song
When Lauper first recorded the song, it didn’t become an instant hit. However, when she re-released the song as a single in 1985, it primarly caught Middle Americans attention, who couldn’t figre out what to make of the unconventional singer. It struck a chord with audiences worldwide, who could relate to its message and catchy beat.
Cyndi Lauper’s Impact On Pop Music
Cyndi Lauper’s music heavily influenced the pop scene in the 1980s, and “Money Changes Everything” is a prime example of her versatility. Many of her songs are excellent examples of masterful storytelling, but this one stands out as a classic hit that will remain timeless.
Millions of fans worldwide continue to sing along with her timeless track, and she remains an icon of that memorable era.
The Future Of “Money Changes Everything”
Despite being nearly four decades’ old song, the song’s themes of love, loss, and the power of money still resonate with audiences globally across generations. It has been covered by numerous musicians, including Tom Gray himself.
FAQs
Q1: What inspired Cyndi Lauper to write “Money Changes Everything?”
Q1: What inspired Cyndi Lauper to write “Money Changes Everything?”
A: According to Lauper, the song was based on a real-life experience shared with her friend whose girlfriend spent all of his rent money on clothes and shoes. She realized that money changes people, and the song was born.
Q2: Why is “Money Changes Everything” considered a classic?
A: With its catchy beat and relatable story, “Money Changes Everything” qualifies as a classic. Its themes still resonate decades later.
Q3: Did the song become an instant hit?
A: When Lauper first recorded the song, it didn’t become an instant hit. However, when she re-released it as a single in 1985, it caught on with the Middle Americans.
Q4: How did Cyndi Lauper impact pop Music in the 80s?
A: Cyndi Lauper was a trailblazer in pop music, and her songs heavily influenced the scene in the 1980s. She was an icon of the era.
Q5: How are the lyrics of the song structured?
A: Cyndi Lauper’s vivid lyrics detail the story of a person whose lover “needs” money and promises the world in return. The chorus sums up the message of the song: “Money Changes Everything.”
Q6: Has the song been covered by other artists?
A: Yes, the song has been covered by numerous musicians, including Tom Gray himself.
Q7: What made the song stand out from other tracks in the 1980s pop scene?
A: Its themes of loss, love, and the power of money resonated with audiences who could identify with them regardless of time and distance.
Q8: Why did Cyndi Lauper release Girls Just Wanna Have Fun before Money Changes Everything?
A: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” was more radio-friendly than “Money Changes Everything,” which made it a logical choice for the first single release.
Q9: Was the song an instant success in cyndi Lauper’s career?
A: No, it wasn’t. But it became popular in the Mid-USA, and over time, it was recognized worldwide for its lasting impact.
Q10: What made the song memorable?
A: The song’s memorable themes, using a catchy beat, relatable storyline, and memorable chorus, combine to make it an unforgettable hit from the 80s music scene.
Q11: Are there any other songs similar to Money Change Everything?
A: While there are no exact copies of this track, several hits with similar themes have become popular since the song’s release, such as “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell.
Q12: What can people learn from the song?
A: “Money Changes Everything” tells an important narrative about the human experience, namely that money can cause people to change and abandon their promises. The song is a powerful reminder to think carefully before placing too much reliance on material wealth.
