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An astonishing number of songs focus on cash and consumerism.

Some describe the joy found in financial freedom or making it big—or just dreaming about it. Think Calloway’s “I Wanna Be Rich” or “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child, for example. Others reject materialism or explain why riches won’t solve all your problems. See Ed Sheeran’s “Beautiful People,” “For the Love of Money” by the O’Jays, and so on.

But within the lyrics are deeper dissertations about markets, wealth, currency and finance. Here are the hidden economics lessons in five of our favorite songs about money.

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