In this case, the dissing of the “easy living” rock star life comes from some blue collar workers and is all wrapped up in the first few lines:
Now look at them yo-yo’s 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 chicks for free
That theme runs throughout the song and probably aptly represents the view of most ordinary people – money for nothing.
This song was not without controversy, though. I can remember quite clearly hearing the news reports and radio DJs talking about the original lyrics, which got this song banned almost everywhere, until they re-released it with the lyrics changed. This is the offending original verse:
See 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
I am showing the original lyrics, because that is how they were written and copyrighted at the time, but you’ll notice when playing the video that Mark Knopfler uses different lyrics during this live performance at the Knebworth Festival in Hertfordshire, England, June 30th 1990.
He does play a mean guitar! The guy in pink isn’t too bad either. And the fella on tambourine sure looks like Rick Neilson …
Money For Nothing
Dire Straits
Now look at them yo-yo’s 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 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 colour TV’s
See 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 gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchens deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators
We gotta move these colour TV’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 bongoes 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 colour TV’s, Lord
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’ and chicks for free
Live Long And Prosper!
