Story Behind The Song
Released in 1983, “Money-Go-Round” was the second single by The Style Council and marked the beginning of Paul Weller’s new musical direction following the breakup of The Jam. Written by Paul Weller and featured on the debut EP Introducing The Style Council, the song was produced by Peter Wilson and blended elements of soul, jazz, funk and pop with socially conscious lyrics. It immediately established the duo of Weller and keyboard player Mick Talbot as artists willing to move beyond conventional rock and explore a broader musical landscape.
The song delivers a sharp critique of wealth, inequality and the influence of money on modern society. Rather than presenting a simple protest, Weller’s lyrics examine how economic divisions affect everyday lives, combining political awareness with an infectious groove. His passionate vocal performance is complemented by Talbot’s stylish keyboard work, while crisp drumming, funky bass lines and bright brass arrangements create a sophisticated yet accessible sound. The polished production and memorable chorus demonstrated that socially aware songwriting could sit comfortably alongside elegant, danceable music.
“Money-Go-Round” announced The Style Council as one of the most distinctive new British acts of the decade and laid the foundations for a successful career built on musical diversity and intelligent songwriting. Although very different from The Jam’s guitar-driven sound, the song was warmly received and highlighted Paul Weller’s willingness to embrace change. Today, it remains an important recording in The Style Council’s catalogue, admired for its timeless message, stylish arrangement and confident debut.
It peaked at No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart on 4th June 1983.
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Money Go Round (Part One) (3:52) (Weller) Produced By Peter Wilson, Paul Weller |
| B-Side | Money Go Round (Part Two) (4:03) (Weller) Produced By Peter Wilson, Paul Weller |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [4 Weeks] – 28th May 1983 – 18th June 1983 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Money Go Round (Part 1) (3:52)
Money Go Round (Part 2) (4:03)
Money Go Round (Parts 1 & 2) (7:40)
Money Go Round (Club Mix) (7:45)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
It’s no good praying to the powers that be
‘Cause they won’t shake the roots of the money tree
No good praying to the pristine alters
Waiting for the blessing with Holy water
They like the same old wealth in the same old hands
Means the same old people stay in command
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
They got it wrapped up tight, they got it safe and sound
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
As you fall from grace and hit the ground
Too much money in too few places
Only puts a smile on particular faces
Said too much power in not enough hands
Makes me think “get rich quick; take all I can”
They’re too busy spending on the means of destruction
To ever spend a penny on some real construction
Watch the money-go-round; watch the money-go-round
They amuse themselves as they fool around
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
Do like they say, make them vulnerable
No good looking to the Empire corners
“Civilization” built on slaughter
Carrying hopes and carrying maps
The spinless ones fall in their laps
The brave and the bold are the ones to be fooled
With a diet of lies by the Kipling school
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
But I just can’t help being cynical
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
Do like I say, make me wonderful
Their morals are clean and their clear
They bend your arm and they bend your ear
Said they bend your mind as you talk in circles
Bend over forwards, this won’t hurt you
Till there’s blood in your lap; blood on your hands
Watch the money-go-round; watch the money-go-round
Come spend a penny, go out with a pound
Watch the money-go-round; watch the money-go-round
As you fall from grace and hit the ground
(On the money-go-round, you wanna get on but it won’t slow down)
The need your votes and you know where to send ’em
Be we don’t get the choice of a public referendum
On all the real issues that affect our lives
Like the USA base to which we play midwife
Take a cruise and forget this scene
Said come back later when the slates wiped clean
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
Born of woman, killed by man
Watch the money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
Do like they pray, make it wonderful
The good and righteous sing their hymns
The crimpoline dresses who have no sins
Christians by day, killers in war
The hypocrites who know what they’re fighting for
Killing for peace, freedom and truth
But they’re too old to go so they send the youth
Watch the money-go-round, watch the money-go-round
I don’t think he was an astronaut
Watch the money-go-round, watch the money-go-round
I must insist – he was a Socialist!
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
They got it wrapped up tight, they got it safe and sound
Watch your money-go-round; watch your money-go-round
As you fall from grace and hit the ground
Written By Paul Weller
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