Dirty Money
The Busters Lyrics


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Guess why i do what i'm doing here?
It's dirty money
What do you work for what pays your beer?
It's dirty money
Bullets and heart-attacks say what for?
It's dirty money
What makes a nice young girl a whore?
It's dirty money

Dirty money
Dirty money
Dirty money
It's dirty money

What makes an old man young again?
It's dirty money
What turns chinese leaders into good old friends?
It's dirty money
Why do people marry, work or kill?
It's dirty money
What makes the world turn round and stand still? it's dirty money

Dirty money
Dirty money
Dirty money
It's dirty money

Dirty money
Dirty money
Dirty money
It's dirty money

Dirty money
Dirty money
Dirty money
It's dirty money

Dirty money
Dirty money




Dirty money
It's dirty money

Overall Meaning

The Busters's song Dirty Money is a poignant commentary on the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of money on individuals and society. The lyrics raise a series of rhetorical questions about the various ways in which people are willing to compromise their values and morals in pursuit of wealth and power. The repeated refrain of "dirty money" drives home the central message that the pursuit of wealth at any cost can have dire consequences.


The first stanza of the song begins by posing the question of why the singer is doing what they are doing. The answer is "dirty money," indicating that the pursuit of wealth is their primary motivation. The next line asks what pays for the singer's beer, again implying that their lifestyle is funded by illicit means. The third line inquires about the violence and death often associated with the pursuit of money. Finally, the fourth line asks a more existential question about what makes a "nice young girl" into a "whore" and suggests that it is also linked to the corrupting influence of money.


The second stanza proceeds to ask a series of broader questions about how money influences world events and individual decisions. The first line suggests that "dirty money" can reverse the effects of aging, indicating the endless pursuit of youth that afflicts many people. The second line alludes to political corruption, suggesting that "dirty money" can be used to influence leaders and create alliances. The third line again acknowledges the violence often associated with wealth, while the fourth line points to the centrality of money in people's decisions and actions. Overall, The Busters's song Dirty Money raises important questions about the consequences of unbridled greed and materialism in society.


Line by Line Meaning

Guess why i do what i'm doing here?
What is the motive behind my actions in this place?


It's dirty money
The money earned through these actions is unethical and immoral.


What do you work for what pays your beer?
What is the source of your income that allows you to consume alcohol?


Bullets and heart-attacks say what for?
What justification exists for the use of violent means and the resulting fatalities?


What makes a nice young girl a whore?
What causes a decent, young woman to engage in prostitution?


What makes an old man young again?
What rejuvenates an elderly man and makes him feel young once more?


What turns chinese leaders into good old friends?
What transforms Chinese leaders into reliable allies and trustworthy companions?


Why do people marry, work or kill?
What drives individuals to enter into matrimony, seek employment, or commit murder?


What makes the world turn round and stand still? it's dirty money
Money, earned through shady means, is what keeps the world moving while also causing it to be stagnant.




Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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