“Money (That’s What I Want)”: The Beatles’ Raw and Relentless Rock ‘n’ Roll Masterclass
When The Beatles tore into “Money (That’s What I Want)” on their 1963 album With the Beatles, they weren’t just covering a hit—they were unleashing a tidal wave of raw, untamed rock and roll. Originally recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959 as one of Motown’s earliest hits, the track found new life in the hands of four young Liverpudlians who turned it into a raucous, high-voltage anthem of want and rebellion.
From the first jagged strum of that iconic guitar riff, the Beatles’ version grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s loud, it’s urgent, and it’s dripping with attitude. The driving guitar lines—sharp and aggressive—clash gloriously with a thunderous backbeat, creating a storm of sound that pulses with desperation and desire. It’s a perfect sonic match for the song’s theme: the relentless hunger for money and what it can bring.
At the heart of this musical maelstrom is John Lennon, delivering one of his most impassioned vocal performances. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics—he shouts, snarls, and howls them with a primal fury. Paul McCartney backs him up with harmonies that cut like a blade, while George Harrison’s biting guitar and Ringo Starr’s pounding drums give the track its ferocious momentum.
What’s remarkable is how The Beatles respected the soul of the original while fearlessly injecting it with their own explosive energy. Their version isn’t a polished Motown groove—it’s a full-on rock ‘n’ roll assault. They crank up the tempo, strip it down to its rawest elements, and let loose. The result is a performance that feels both tightly controlled and completely unhinged.
Production-wise, “Money” is a snapshot of early Beatles magic. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer George Martin, the track captures the band’s livewire energy in its purest form. There’s no fancy studio trickery here—just four young musicians, a few mics, and a whole lot of firepower. You can hear every shout, every strum, every beat—loud and clear.
In the broader story of The Beatles’ evolution, “Money (That’s What I Want)” is more than just a cover—it’s a mission statement. It shows where they came from: American R&B, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Motown. And it shows where they were going: bending genres, reimagining sound, and making every song their own.
The song’s enduring popularity speaks for itself. Decades after its release, it remains a fan favorite and a standout moment on With the Beatles. And countless artists have since covered the Beatles’ version—not just Barrett Strong’s original—testament to how thoroughly they made it theirs.
Ultimately, “Money (That’s What I Want)” is a knockout punch of a track—loud, fast, and unforgettable. It captures The Beatles at their most feral and fearless, taking an American classic and turning it into a British rock ‘n’ roll explosion. If you want to understand why The Beatles mattered so much, so quickly—start here.
