Money

The song Money by Pink Floyd from their iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon is a standout track with a treasure trove of fascinating trivia. One of the most striking elements is its unusual 7/4 time signature, a rarity in rock music, which gives the song its distinctive, off-kilter rhythm. This shifts to a more conventional 4/4 during the guitar solo, adding dynamic contrast. The song’s opening sound collage—featuring clinking coins, ringing cash registers, and tearing paper—was meticulously crafted by bassist Roger Waters, who recorded these effects to create a rhythmic loop that mimics the sound of wealth in motion. According to David Gilmour, the track draws inspiration from the Memphis R&B sound of Booker T. and the MGs, with Gilmour citing their album Green Onions as a teenage favorite. Saxophonist Dick Parry’s squalling solo adds a raw edge, while the song’s lyrics, penned by Waters, take a sharp jab at greed and materialism, fitting the album’s broader themes of life’s pressures. Interestingly, Money became Pink Floyd’s first Top 20 hit in the U.S., peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1973, a rare commercial success for a band known for album-oriented work. During recording, Wings’ Henry McCullough was interviewed for the album and contributed the line, “I don’t know, I was really drunk at the time,” which appears in the song, adding a humorous, candid touch. Paul and Linda McCartney were also interviewed but didn’t make the final cut, as Waters felt Paul’s responses were too performative.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the recording process at Abbey Road Studios, where engineer Alan Parsons, then just 24, played a pivotal role. Parsons, who later formed the Alan Parsons Project, used innovative techniques like tape loops and multitrack recording to bring the band’s vision to life. The cash register sounds were originally part of a quadraphonic test tape Parsons created for EMI, showcasing his technical prowess. Fans have also noted a quirky detail: at the end of the album’s closing track, Eclipse, a faint orchestral version of The Beatles’ Ticket to Ride can be heard, likely a mastering error from the studio where both bands recorded. This anomaly, amplified in some fan releases, adds a layer of mystique. Social media posts from @pinkfloyd highlight the song’s enduring legacy, with a recent fan poll on X ranking Money as number six in a top 20 Pink Floyd songs list, reflecting its lasting resonance with listeners. The song’s cultural impact extends to covers by artists like Phish, who performed the entire Dark Side album live in 1998, and even humorous tributes like Richard Cheese’s lounge-style take on Pink Floyd’s work.

Pink Floyd began in London in 1965, emerging from the vibrant British psychedelic scene. The band was founded by Roger “Syd” Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), who met while studying at the London Polytechnic and Camberwell College of Arts. Barrett, the early creative force, named the band after two American blues musicians, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, blending their names into “The Pink Floyd Sound.” Their early sound was rooted in R&B and blues but quickly evolved into experimental psychedelia, marked by extended improvisations and sonic experiments like Interstellar Overdrive. Barrett’s whimsical, Lewis Carroll-inspired lyrics drove their 1967 debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, recorded at Abbey Road alongside The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album, along with singles like Arnold Layne and See Emily Play, established them as a cornerstone of the UK underground. However, Barrett’s heavy LSD use and deteriorating mental health led to his departure in 1968, with David Gilmour joining as his replacement. Waters then took the helm as primary lyricist, steering the band toward concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, which catapulted them to global stardom with its philosophical themes and innovative production.

Pink Floyd’s official online presence keeps their legacy alive. Their official website offers news, tour archives, and merchandise, while their Facebook page engages fans with updates and nostalgic posts about milestones like the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon. On Instagram, they share vivid visuals, including album art and rare photos, and their X account posts about releases and fan interactions, like questions for Nick Mason about their 1972 Pompeii performance. Fans connect through dedicated sites like The Pink Floyd Fandom, which offers news, lyrics, and reviews, and Pink Floyd – A Fleeting Glimpse, a fan-driven hub for updates on band members and rare footage. The Dark Side of the Moon at 50 site celebrates the album’s legacy with memorabilia and insights. On Facebook, groups like Pink Floyd Fans Worldwide foster community with discussions and shared passion for the band’s music, ensuring the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO can dive deep into Pink Floyd’s cosmic world.