(I want my MTV)

Now look at them yo-yo's that's the way you do it
You play the guitar on the M.T.V.
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free.

Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Lemme tell ya them guys ain't dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger
Maybe get a blister on your thumb.

We gotta install microwave ovens custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators we gotta move these color T.V.'s.

See the little faggot with the earring and the make up
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire.

We gotta install microwave ovens custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators we gotta move these color T.V.'s.

We gotta install microwave ovens custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators we gotta move these color T.V.'s.

I shoulda learned to play the guitar
I shoulda learned to play them drums
Look at that mama she got it stickin' in the camera
Man we could have some fun

And he's up there, what's that?
Hawaiian noises?
Bangin' on the bongos like a chimpanzee
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Get your money for nothin' get your chicks for free.

We gotta install microwave ovens custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators we gotta move these color T.V.'s.

Listen here
Now that ain't workin' that's the way to do it
Play the guitar on the M.T.V.
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free.
(Get your) Money for nothin' chicks for free
Money for nothin' chicks for free
Money for nothin' chicks for free
Money for nothin' chicks for free
Money for nothin' chicks for free
Money for nothin' chicks for free

(I want my, I want my MTV)



Lyrics submitted by kevin

Track duration: 08:24

"Money for Nothing" as written by Gordon Matthew Sumner, Mark Knopfler

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Money For Nothing song meanings
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67 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:Thought this one was pretty self evident - Knopfler is singing from the point of view of a blue collar worker who has a low opinion of musicians. I don't for a moment think that Knopfler agrees with the persona he has created.
    Flag proggieon November 02, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is all about fame, lust, and the entire lifestyle that comes along with it. I know that when Knopfler refers to "faggot", he's talking about Boy George. Great all around jam. Tons of fun to play on the guitar
    Flag tcheeseron August 25, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is genius. Dire Straits simultaneously troll a huge part of an exploding industry while reaping the rewards of its exposure and financial success.
    Flag elwoood13on April 14, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:TBH ages ago i thought the lyrics were " We got the bridgestone microwave ovens, plus the kitchen deilveries, we got the movies, refridgerators, we've got the movies n colour T.V's. "

    Flag h4rm0n1k5on June 17, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:I had actually never heard the applicance store story, but it definitely sounds plausible.

    The subjects mentioned in the song (the "faggot", the "mama", etc) are most likely a reference to several different bands/singers who Knopfler felt personified the message of the song - getting lots of money and fortune for doing relatively little work.

    If the appliance store story is true, perhaps Knopfler wrote it in retaliation as he felt that Dire Straits was a real rock band who put a lot of time and effort into their lyrics and songs only to have the movers lump them in with the likes of Motley Crue, Duran Duran, etc. To me, the song could be Dire Straits saying they are nothing like the pop/glam rock/synth/etc bands that were all over MTV at the time.
    Flag GrtOne41on December 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I am surprised there is no reference to George Michael being the faggot - that's what I heard years ago. Elton John does not make sense - he's got no hair. 'Yeah buddy, that's own hair' would fit very neatly with George Michael, as he allegedly used the same hairdresser as Princess Diana! And he did have a jet airplane during the Wham! years.
    Flag Glamliveson September 04, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I personally think that the song doesn't really have a meaning. It's just about appliances but it's certainly a great song to sing along to and put your speakers onto full volume for ^_
    Flag Pippyspoton July 06, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is about scorpions, the kings of the desert. They bite and pinch with their claws and inject poison with their stingers. Their tough exoskeleton allows them to survive the harsh climates in the desert. That is what this song is about.
    Flagged kingsofthedeserton June 13, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:i read some books on montley crue and read in one of them where nikki sixx said that this song was about them. just an idea?
    Flag frazee0907on February 12, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think one of the greatest things about this song is the fact that Sting is credited as a co-writer because of the repeated "I want my MTV" mantra throughout the song is the exact same melody as the Police's "Don't Stand So Close to Me." In fact, Sting is the singer in the background throughout the chorus and the "I want my MTV" chant.
    Flag FredNormanon January 03, 2010   Link

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