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The O'Jays — For the Love of Money
Album: The Essential O'Jays
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1084









Released: 1974
Length: 3:41
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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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
Comments (91)add comment
 Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:

We have learned nothing, eh?
The billionaires have enough to help so many that are suffering, shame on them. Mid-terms!



Yeah, it ain't like they hire people or build things or . . .
Posted 19 hours ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:

A few years ago, I was having beers with a legendary brewer in northern Michigan. After he bought the first round, I offered to buy the second. He said no, and the conversation went something like this:

Me: "Jack, why don't you let me buy this round. You're retired, so why don't you let me buy."

Jack: "I like buying for friends. Besides, money doesn't give a shit about me, so why should I give a shit about it?"

And my philosophy on money has been different ever since. 



I wish I knew a legendary master brewer
Posted 3 weeks ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
We have learned nothing, eh?
The billionaires have enough to help so many that are suffering, shame on them. Mid-terms!
Posted 4 months ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Hey, this reminds me… RP could use some Defunkt! They do a great cover of this, but Avoid the Funk or anything else from Thermonuclear Sweat would be good.
Posted 4 months ago by Talus1    [ Reply ]
Right on, dudes.  Evil is the root of all money. A fine funky number too.
Posted 2 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
A few years ago, I was having beers with a legendary brewer in northern Michigan. After he bought the first round, I offered to buy the second. He said no, and the conversation went something like this:

Me: "Jack, why don't you let me buy this round. You're retired, so why don't you let me buy."

Jack: "I like buying for friends. Besides, money doesn't give a shit about me, so why should I give a shit about it?"

And my philosophy on money has been different ever since. 
Posted 2 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 3Chords wrote:


I don't think that's what cosmiclint meant; we, the people, are taking this song back from the Orange Menace!


Yes, we are!  I wish we could  erase anything that  Orange Menace did and continues to do to our country!  
Posted 2 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

Holy shit that segue from Deadmau5.... 

I'm not worthy. 



That is what I love about RP (along with 1000's of other reasons) is the sweet segue's between pieces!
Posted 2 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Holy shit that segue from Deadmau5.... 

I'm not worthy. 
Posted 2 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:

The only great song ever to be *enhanced* by its association with a cheesy TV show, IMHO. Can't help it, lovin' The Donald...


The guy with extra top secret stolen nuclear weapon documents in his basement...that guy?  The ones he could sell to the highest bidder to erase his extensive debts?  $$$$$ indeed....corruption and greed....  
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by bader1489    [ Reply ]
Only Bill could even conceive this PERFECT segué - Deadmaus’ Imaginary Friends to this. Damn.
Posted 3 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
Love this song. The Apprentice, not so much
Posted 3 years ago by adyboy94    [ Reply ]
 3Chords wrote:


I don't think that's what cosmiclint meant; we, the people, are taking this song back from the Orange Menace!



I don't think Jelani picked up on my Rattle and Hum reference.
Posted 3 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
 jcyr wrote:

Amazing how something written 40 years ago can still be so relevant...



This has been relevant from the time humans came up with the concept of money. 
Posted 3 years ago by opaceo    [ Reply ]
From Deadmau5 Imaginary friends to this - Bill, that was awesome!
Posted 3 years ago by zog    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

This song was stolen by Donald Trump and Mark Burnett. We're stealing it back.

.
Khris Middleton and the Milwaukee Bucks stole it back.  Bucks in 6 again this season.
Posted 4 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
Such a great song. Too band the Trumpanzee used it. His use shall be expunged.
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:



Actually, no, it wasn't. It was willingly licensed by its owner, and handsomely paid for by its licensee.


I don't think that's what cosmiclint meant; we, the people, are taking this song back from the Orange Menace!
Posted 4 years ago by 3Chords    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

This song was stolen by Donald Trump and Mark Burnett. We're stealing it back.




Actually, no, it wasn't. It was willingly licensed by its owner, and handsomely paid for by its licensee.
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Yeah, the O'Jays from Canton, Ohio. Used to see them a lot in Detroit in the 60's and early 70's and on Soul Train. And listen on CKLW
Posted 4 years ago by kquinn03    [ Reply ]
”You’re fired”
Posted 4 years ago by bluejay08003    [ Reply ]
One of the best bass lines in pop music history
Posted 4 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
WSB
Posted 4 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
I'm rating this a 1 - only because it was the theme song of "The Apprentice" and triggers my gag reflex.
Posted 4 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
Bassist Anthony Jackson nails it.

Anthony could play up to a 9 string bass (the standard is 4) without missing a beat.  A true master of the craft.  All a normal bassist can do is tip your hat and bow your head.  Perhaps the most accomplished bassist on the planet with Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius on the podium with him.   

Anthony Jackson (musician) - Wikipedia

9 string Bass Guitar | Reverb

For the Love of Money - Wikipedia

 


Posted 4 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
how appapro at the momemt.....good one
Posted 5 years ago by edwho    [ Reply ]
This song was stolen by Donald Trump and Mark Burnett. We're stealing it back.
Posted 5 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Bill - this is not the time for the Apprentice theme song. 
Posted 5 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
"Where have I heard this song before? ... Oh, that's right. *barf*"
Posted 5 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
listening with headphones, and noticing for the first time that the reverb comes in and out on that opening riff.
Posted 6 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Bassline alert

That bass was sampled in like a 1000 songs

Let's git dis dough
Posted 6 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
OOOOH
Hiphop sample heaven right here!


Classic song
Posted 6 years ago by t0m5k1    [ Reply ]
Snort! (You being in your Support Appeal time 'o need, of course.) I'd give all (hyperbole), or surely some truly, but you know... money. Gotta go hustle up even more to pay The Man, and like right now. But I can throw out a pledge Tweet every now & then. That's free or with just the too-pricey too cost of The Man's fee for fast interneting. 
Posted 6 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
Dat Base Line. Yummy.
Posted 6 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
Cool song forever tainted by its association with Putin, Jr.
Posted 6 years ago by clickfaster    [ Reply ]
 artmaven wrote:
This is the only O'Jays tune on RP??? Granted, it's freakin' amazing but there are so many others that should be here too. C'mon! Somebody fix this, k? Please! I'd forgotten how much I love the sound of philly 'til I heard this from David Dye on World Cafe from WXPN Link: Helping to Shape the Sound of Philly Soul February 22, 2006 · When Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff started Philadelphia International Records in the early '70s, they followed in the footsteps of great regional soul labels like Detroit's Motown and Stax in Memphis. With the help of talented arranger Thom Bell, Philly Soul went on to become one of the leading cultural influences in the '70s; songs like "Love Train," "For the Love of Money" (by the O'Jays) and "Me and Mrs. Jones" (by Billy Paul) made their mark with a unique combination of driving rhythms and sweet orchestration. With John Jackson, author of House on Fire: the Rise and Fall of Philly Soul, Kenny Gamble and Thom Bell give their personal insights into this important piece of music history. It's one terrific story and well worth your time. I promise.
 

have you tried uploading a submission? 
Posted 6 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Oh so amusing to read the old comments bitching about the Cheetos King ruining this song for them. If they only had known....
Posted 6 years ago by alain.brault    [ Reply ]
Amazing how something written 40 years ago can still be so relevant...
Posted 6 years ago by jcyr    [ Reply ]
OMG

that was a year ago

still LOVE this Awesome Song 
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 ronniegirl wrote:
Richard Pryor had a show where he used this while playing a preacher.  In HUGE platform shoes.  I still remember it.  NOT Trump.

 
those were The Days right?!  : )     (Trump's the best thing for Hil and Bernie)
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

That's odd; I bought this single when it came out.

 
Not so odd. I was a long haired hard rock hippie freak, and considered this to too "wimpy". Hopefully we all grow!
Posted 11 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
 Lindo525 wrote:
When this came out - I would not have been caught dead listening to it. I guess that now I would. {#Wink}

 
That's odd; I bought this single when it came out.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
When this came out - I would not have been caught dead listening to it. I guess that now I would. {#Wink}
Posted 11 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
love that bass line….  
Posted 11 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
Owwww!! That's is one hot, funkadelic piece of dance power! 8^)
Posted 11 years ago by dirtbagpook    [ Reply ]
this to me is pure GODLIKE 
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Richard Pryor had a show where he used this while playing a preacher.  In HUGE platform shoes.  I still remember it.  NOT Trump.
Posted 12 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
ed wrote:
Sly was first, this just sucked at trying to copy it!
Posted 18 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs from my 'tween years still has a groove like a cement truck.
Posted 18 years ago by brighthue    [ Reply ]
Bodhisattva wrote:
Behold!! For it is none other than the mighty, mighty Philadelphia Sound! (Your city should have such an awesome sound named for it!)
So how does this relate to FUNK? In particular, how does the bass line relate to the pioneering funky plucking base in Sly & the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)". Is one a cover of the other? The base melody seems VERY similar.
Posted 18 years ago by ce    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Giving a new twist to the phrase, "Get down wit' yo' bad self!"
Posted 18 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
I love it! I forgot this song until it came on with Trump. Now its my favorite part of the show.
Posted 18 years ago by ralphcanoe    [ Reply ]
HEE! That's brilliant.
Posted 18 years ago by MissAmy    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Very appropriate considering what's going on right now with the facist copyright legislation.
Posted 18 years ago by MissAmy    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
You're fired!
HAHAHAHA. This was a great song even before being the theme song of the greatest show in the world.
Posted 18 years ago by ekeyte    [ Reply ]
Love those fuzzy sweatsuits.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
The only great song ever to be *enhanced* by its association with a cheesy TV show, IMHO. Can't help it, lovin' The Donald...
Posted 19 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
The O'Jays are killer. what? why are you looking at me like that
Posted 19 years ago by SoundsGoodToMe    [ Reply ]
fortyonejb wrote:
Whats sad about the Trump thing is that those who have never heard the song don't get its true meaning. Using this song to sell the indulgant lifestyle and culture that trump sells is a perversion of its true meaning. sad isnt it.
Just like Reagan and "Born in the U.S.A.". At least Fleetwood Mac were behind the politicians using their weak, sappy "Don't Stop"...
Posted 19 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
I love money, I admit it. I wish I had more of it. God, just please give me a chance and I will show you that it will not ruin me.
Posted 19 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Godlike - and very appropriate for a payday Friday - whoo hoo!
Posted 19 years ago by SCJoniguy    [ Reply ]
They recorded the chorus after being sucked into the TV in the Freeling house.
Posted 19 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Best bassline in history but the rest is pretty lame (and the moneymoneymoneyMONEY part is just annoying).
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
For the love of money, People would steal from their brother... btw, there is an ultra-badass version of this that really winds out at about 7'30".
Posted 19 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
grant wrote:
this song is maximum soulful funkage!!!!!!
Nope Bill Withers - "Use Me" is. https://www.radioparadise.com/content.php?name=songinfo&song_id=33560(click here) All other RP listeners agree too as it is an 8.3 and this song is only 7.8. Unless...you do not adhere to the strict definition of 'maximum soulful funkage' then what is the point of comparing to a standard. ;)
Posted 19 years ago by wbl    [ Reply ]
this song is maximum soulful funkage!!!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
Whats sad about the Trump thing is that those who have never heard the song don't get its true meaning. Using this song to sell the indulgant lifestyle and culture that trump sells is a perversion of its true meaning. sad isnt it.
Posted 19 years ago by fortyonejb    [ Reply ]
This is the only O'Jays tune on RP??? Granted, it's freakin' amazing but there are so many others that should be here too. C'mon! Somebody fix this, k? Please! I'd forgotten how much I love the sound of philly 'til I heard this from David Dye on World Cafe from WXPN Link: Helping to Shape the Sound of Philly Soul February 22, 2006 · When Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff started Philadelphia International Records in the early '70s, they followed in the footsteps of great regional soul labels like Detroit's Motown and Stax in Memphis. With the help of talented arranger Thom Bell, Philly Soul went on to become one of the leading cultural influences in the '70s; songs like "Love Train," "For the Love of Money" (by the O'Jays) and "Me and Mrs. Jones" (by Billy Paul) made their mark with a unique combination of driving rhythms and sweet orchestration. With John Jackson, author of House on Fire: the Rise and Fall of Philly Soul, Kenny Gamble and Thom Bell give their personal insights into this important piece of music history. It's one terrific story and well worth your time. I promise.
Posted 19 years ago by artmaven    [ Reply ]
nick_valensi wrote:
I'm lovin' this money sequence... what about some Dire Straits Money for Nothing... or Beatles version of Money (That's What I Want!)
I would like to hear The Flying Lizards myself. :-)
Posted 19 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
I'm lovin' this money sequence... what about some Dire Straits Money for Nothing... or Beatles version of Money (That's What I Want!)
Posted 19 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
I request "Life is a lemon and i want my money back" from Meat Loaf HAHA
Posted 19 years ago by master_betty    [ Reply ]
Glad so many of you are enjoying this stone cold classic. It was one of my uploads (and quite surprised was I that it was not already in the main playlist). Musically brilliant and still a meaningful message in the twenty-first century...
Posted 19 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
You're fired!
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Oh My Bad Self ....
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
Tickets available for the Portland show. Anyone?
Posted 19 years ago by whitenoyse    [ Reply ]
Actually, in Detroit there was-it's called Motown. I have long since left Detroit behind, (as did Berry Gordy) but I did grow up there. I was probably the youngest cruiser on Woodward Avenue, 3 years old. Nothing like a T-Bird or Corvette (with the coveted split rear window) to be cruising in! Bodhisattva wrote:
Behold!! For it is none other than the mighty, mighty Philadelphia Sound! (Your city should have such an awesome sound named for it!)
Posted 19 years ago by mistatebird    [ Reply ]
Behold!! For it is none other than the mighty, mighty Philadelphia Sound! (Your city should have such an awesome sound named for it!)
Posted 19 years ago by Bodhisattva    [ Reply ]
If you watched Apprentice you deserve to have this song ruined for you. nick_valensi wrote:
I would like this song if it wasn't for friggin Aprentice. Damn you Trump!
Posted 19 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
nick_valensi wrote:
I would like this song if it wasn't for friggin Aprentice. Damn you Trump!
I guess I should be glad I've never seen it?
Posted 19 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
Yow! funky bass & kickin' vocals...
Posted 19 years ago by jfowler    [ Reply ]
I think it's really cool of The Donald to let these guys cover this.
Posted 19 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
I thought Donald Trump Sang this song!
Posted 19 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
Man, that stupid Trump ruined this song for me, all it does is make me think of.... nope can't waste time thinking about it aaaggghhhhh!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by jdpinball    [ Reply ]
awwwmanhellyeah.
Posted 19 years ago by poprocker1    [ Reply ]
I would like this song if it wasn't for friggin Aprentice. Damn you Trump!
Posted 19 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
Aaah I always love it when the flanger kicks in on the Hi-Hat :-) What would we do without funk and soul?
Posted 19 years ago by Atombender    [ Reply ]