Money And Music: 12 Iconic Rock Songs With Financial Wisdom For Kenyans
Music has a unique power to resonate deeply with our emotions and experiences. Some songs go beyond entertainment; they mirror our struggles, aspirations, and even our relationship with money. In Kenya, a section of the older generation, especially those in their early 40s now listened to rock at one point.
Financial literacy is becoming increasingly vital, especially for this lot who are now starting families and casting their investment nets. These songs can offer valuable lessons for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Here’s a look at some iconic rock tracks that creatively weave financial wisdom into their lyrics:
1. “Money” by Pink Floyd
Few bands could make the sound of cash registers a part of a hit song, but Pink Floyd did just that in Money. With its hypnotic 7/4 rhythm, the song offers timeless advice: “Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.”
For Kenyans navigating chamas (savings groups) and Sacco investments, this is a reminder of the importance of building financial reserves.
2. “Baby You’re a Rich Man” by The Beatles
This 1967 classic describes the archetype of the ideal client: affluent and worldly. Yet, hoarding wealth in a “big brown bag inside a zoo” is a metaphor for excessive saving without strategic investment.
In Kenya, where wealth management is evolving, this is a lesson in the need for diversification, from real estate in Konza City to investing in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) stocks.
3. “Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates
This tune warns against relying solely on inherited wealth (“rely on the old man’s money”). In Kenya, where many still lean on family resources, the song emphasizes the value of self-reliance and a solid financial plan. Whether it’s creating side hustles or leveraging digital lending platforms, planning is crucial.
4. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
For the “silver spoon” crowd, the senator’s son in this song represents those with privilege who evade financial responsibilities. This is a call to ethical financial practices, especially for the growing elite managing family legacies and businesses.
5. “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer
Donna Summer’s anthem celebrates women’s grit and highlights the importance of saving and investing wisely, from table banking to government securities like M-Akiba and chamas, something that a lot of Kenyan women are not in touch with nowadays.
6. “Dirty Work” by Steely Dan
Not all financial tasks are glamorous. For wealth managers—or even family members dealing with stubborn relatives about succession planning—this song is a nod to the tedious yet essential work required to clean up financial chaos.
7. “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles
Hard work is a hallmark of Kenyan entrepreneurship. Whether running a boda boda operation or managing a side hustle, “working like a dog” is often necessary to achieve financial independence.
8. “Moneytalks” by AC/DC
“Listen to the money talk,” AC/DC warns. This 1990 hit reminds Kenyans to let numbers, not emotions, guide their investments. Whether you’re trading crypto or investing in a hardware business, data-driven decisions are key.
9. “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band
Sometimes, the best decision is to cash out. For Kenyans nearing retirement or exiting volatile investments, this advice underscores the importance of knowing when to harvest gains.
10. “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin’s satirical take on materialism rings true, where financial goals often balance between needs and wants. It’s a call to focus on assets that appreciate over depreciating luxury items.
11. “Blue Money” by Van Morrison
This carefree anthem about spending “blue money” reminds Kenyans that frivolous expenditure is the enemy of wealth creation. It’s a lesson to embrace budgeting tools and financial literacy.
12. “Keep the Change” by The Copyrights
With rising costs of living, many Kenyans can relate to this song about debt spirals. From juggling multiple loans to managing limited incomes, the message here is clear: prioritize financial planning to avoid the trap of perpetual borrowing.
