Money For Nothing – English Lyrics

• By: Dire Straits
• Album: Brothers in Arms

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the vibrant language of the 1980s with Dire Straits' iconic hit, "Money For Nothing." This song offers a unique linguistic window into colloquial English and expressions of cynicism, as it's famously based on actual overheard conversations. You can learn about character-driven storytelling in lyrics and how everyday speech can be transformed into compelling art. Its distinct guitar riff and pioneering computer-animated music video make it a special and culturally significant piece of rock history.

[English]

(gentle ethereal music) ♪ I want my MTV ♪

(upbeat suspenseful music)

(spirited upbeat music)

(spirited upbeat music continues)

♪ Now look at them yo-yos, that's the way you do it ♪

♪ You play the guitar on the MTV ♪

♪ That ain't workin', that's the way you do it ♪

♪ Money for nothin' and your 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 got to install microwave ovens ♪

♪ Custom kitchen deliveries ♪

♪ We got to move these refrigerators ♪

♪ We got to move these color TVs ♪

♪ Ow, the little faggot with the earring and the makeup ♪

♪ Yeah, buddy, that's his own hair ♪

♪ That little faggot got his own jet airplane ♪

♪ That little faggot, he's a millionaire ♪

♪ We got to install microwave ovens ♪

♪ Custom kitchen deliveries ♪

♪ We got to move these refrigerators ♪

♪ We got to move these color TVs ♪

(spirited upbeat music continues)

♪ Ooh, ah, move, ah ♪

♪ Huh ♪

♪ We got to install microwave ovens ♪

♪ Custom kitchen deliveries ♪

♪ We got to move these refrigerators ♪

♪ We got to move these color TVs ♪

♪ Lookee here, look it ♪

♪ I shoulda learned to play the guitar ♪

♪ I shoulda learned to play them drums ♪

♪ Look at that mama, she got it stickin' in the cameraman ♪

♪ We could have some ♪

♪ And he's up there, what's that, Hawaiian noises ♪

♪ He's bangin' on the bongos like a chimpanzee ♪

♪ Oh, that ain't workin', that's the way you do it ♪

♪ Get your money for nothin', get your chicks for free ♪

♪ We got to install microwave ovens ♪

♪ Custom kitchen deliveries ♪

♪ We got to move these refrigerators ♪

♪ We got to move these color TVs ♪

(spirited upbeat music continues)

♪ Ow, ooh, ow, ow ♪

♪ Listen here ♪

♪ Now that ain't workin', that's the way you do it ♪

♪ You play the guitar on the MTV ♪

♪ That ain't workin', that's the way you do it ♪

♪ Money for nothin' and your chicks for free ♪

♪ Money for nothin', yeah ♪

♪ And the chicks for free ♪

♪ Get your money for nothin' ♪ ♪ What's that ♪

♪ And your chicks for free ♪

♪ Look at that, look at that ♪

♪ Get your money for nothin' ♪ ♪ I want my ♪

♪ I want my ♪ ♪ And the chicks for free ♪

♪ I want my MTV ♪

♪ Ah, money for nothin' ♪ ♪ I want my ♪

♪ I want my ♪ ♪ And the chicks for free ♪

♪ I want my MTV ♪ (spirited upbeat music fades)

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
install /ɪnˈstɔːl/ B2	verb - to set up equipment or machinery for use
refrigerator /rɪˈfrɪdʒəreɪtər/ B1	noun - an appliance for keeping food cool
microwave /ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪv/ B1	noun - an appliance that cooks or heats food using microwave radiation
kitchen /ˈkɪtʃən/ A2	noun - a room where food is prepared
delivery /dɪˈlɪvəri/ B1	noun - the act of bringing goods to a recipient
build /bɪld/ B1	verb - to construct or create something
manage /ˈmænɪdʒ/ B2
operate /ˈɒpəreɪt/ B2
gig /ɡɪɡ/ B2	noun - a paid performance or job for a musician or performer
millionaire /ˌmɪljəˈneər/ C1	noun - a person who has a million or more units of currency
money /ˈmʌni/ A2	noun - a medium of exchange in the form of coins or banknotes
chicks /tʃɪks/ A2	noun - young women, or slang for young women or girlfriends
rock /rɒk/ A1	verb - to sway back and forth noun - a solid mineral material
play /pleɪ/ A1	verb - to engage in activities for enjoyment