Hear me the money: #3 "Money for Nothing" Dire Straits (1985)
By John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109846)
Los Angeles, California
February 21, 2018 7:08am CST
Talk about an overplayed classic rock radio song not to mention the music video. You all recognize this one. Sting announcing “I want my MTV” gives it away.
Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting, “Money for Nothing” appears on the “Brothers in Arms” album and major hit going #1. The song earned Dire Straits a Grammy for Best Rock Group Performance and named Video of the Year at the MTV Music Video Awards.
‘That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it
Money for nothing and chicks for free”
It could be said “Money for Nothing” mocks rockers and Knopfler and Sting recognized the absurdity of their profession compared to real hard working people. A guy does kitchen appliance deliveries makes wry commentary on mTV videos. The use of a homophobic word added a controversial touch to the song.
Dire Straits performing live during the 'Brothers in arms'-tour at the Wembley Arena in London, United Kingdom on July 10th 1985. Now in HD (or as good as it...
10 people like this
11 responses
@FourWalls (67703)
• United States
21 Feb 18
Knopfler said he heard a worker in an electronics store griping about the videos on the wall of TV sets, saying, "that ain't working." And a song was born.
Wonder if the worker ever tried to claim royalties for inspiring the song. 
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37350)
• Toccoa, Georgia
21 Feb 18
I do like that song, and yes, it is overplayed on the radio stations.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79648)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 18
A new one on me. Haven't heard this. I wish I could get money for nothing.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
25 Feb 18
Extremely overplayed, but a great song nonetheless.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180387)
• United States
21 Feb 18
Oh yeah,,I always thought they were saying "chips for free." funny how we can get the words of songs wrong.
1 person likes this
