Money Makes The World Go Round
R. Kelly feat. Nas Lyrics

QB
Nas is paying homage to his Queensbridge neighborhood.

Chitown
Acknowledging R. Kelly's hometown of Chicago.

Money make the world go round
Money is the driving force behind many aspects of life and society.

Money makes the world go round
Repeating the idea that money is a crucial aspect of life.

(What? Go money)
An interjection, emphasizing the importance of money.

Money makes the world go round
Repeating the idea that money is a crucial aspect of life.

TM
Trademark symbol used to indicate ownership of a brand or product.

Yo, for those who live the way that I live
Nas is speaking to those who know the struggles of growing up in the inner city.

We came a long way
Referring to the journey of those who have risen through the ranks of society despite their humble beginnings.

From wiping coal outta eyelids, to rap's hottest
Referencing the days when children had to work in coal mines, juxtaposed with the success of those who made it as rappers.

Fake Gazelles to black Pradas
Comparing cheaper, knock-off sneakers to expensive, designer shoes.

Selling nicks to trey bags, to making hits like Kidada Jones' father
Describing the transition from selling small amounts of drugs to becoming a successful musician like Kidada Jones' father, Quincy Jones.

OG's would send me to the store with a dollar
Older, respected individuals would give Nas money for small errands.

Hit me with some wise advice for me to follow
Receiving valuable life lessons from the elders in the community.

Ain't nothing free in the world in life
Everything comes at a price, and nothing is truly free.

No matter who you are, everybody got they price
Even those who seem unbuyable have a price for which they can be bought.

And some cost more than other's
Some people or things are worth more than others.

When you poor, it's like life ain't even worth living
The struggles of being poor can make one feel like life is not worth living at all.

But when you rich, it's every fat ass worth hittin'
When one is wealthy, everything and everyone becomes attractive.

With no chips, your drawers just stay on your hips
Without money, one may not have the means to dress or present themselves in any other way.

I play with the six cuz money make the whole world spin
Playing with a six (possibly referring to a dice game) because money makes everything keep moving.

But without the Franklin faces, you see who's your real friends
When you have no money, you can see who your true friends are, as they will not abandon you just because of your financial status.

It's V-12's, honeys on the cell, bobbin' out the JBL
Enjoying the perks of wealth, such as luxury cars and beautiful women on cell phones, bumping music on a high-end sound system.

It's Nas and R. Kell
The collaboration of two highly successful musicians, Nas and R. Kelly.

Never thought that I'd ever live this life
R. Kelly expressing his disbelief that he has achieved such success and wealth.

Money stacked in rolls, honeys on each side
R. Kelly is surrounded by stacks of money and beautiful women.

Anything I want, I can say it's mine
With his wealth, R. Kelly can attain anything he desires.

No more worries 'bout how can I provide
R. Kelly no longer has to stress about how he will provide for himself or his family.

Oh, many say it's wrong cause I love to spend
R. Kelly is aware that some may judge him for his lavish spending habits.

Ice in everything countin' Benjamins
He puts ice (diamonds) on everything and counts hundred-dollar bills.

All I wanna do try, and let you know
R. Kelly wants to express to his listeners his perspective on wealth and the power of money.

If you don't believe, ask someone who's broke
The experience of poverty can teach one that money truly does make the world go round.

Show me the money
A reference to the film 'Jerry Maguire,' as well as a statement indicating the value of money.

From sun up till the sun goes down
Money is a factor that influences life 24/7.

Show me a man that don't need money
Asking to see a man who genuinely does not desire or need money.

And I'll show you a world, standing still, oh
No one can truly live without money, and those without it are metaphorically stagnant or 'standing still.'

Yes it does, talking 'bout the loot
Reemphasizing the idea that money is the crux of everything in life.

Money makes the world go round
Repeating the central theme of the song one final time.