How ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money” Formed a Generation of Greed—And How the Church Can Reclaim It
“Money, money, money / Must be funny / In the rich man’s world…”
It was catchy. It was everywhere. ABBA’s 1976 song planted an idea in millions of minds: life would be easier if only I had more money.
The song isn’t evil. But it paints a tired woman’s escape from poverty not through hard work, but by marrying rich. It romanticizes greed, laziness, and envy—without saying so directly.
The Hidden Damage
Whole generations soaked in the idea that:
- Struggles are solved by cash.
- The rich live the fun life.
- Work is pointless unless it makes you wealthy.
Today, you still hear this in:
- TikToks showing off cash stacks.
- Songs with lyrics like “get rich or die tryin’.”
- Young people daydreaming of “sugar daddies” and passive income without effort.
ABBA’s song became a hymn to mammon.
What Can the Church Do?
- Reclaim the Melody
Take back the tune with new lyrics. Write a parody or version that tells the truth:
“Mercy, mercy, mercy / More than money / In the Savior’s world…”
- Teach the Saints’ Way
- St. Francis of Assisi: gave up riches to follow Christ.
- St. Joseph: worked quietly as a carpenter to provide for the Holy Family.
- Don Bosco: served poor youth and trusted in Providence, not cash.
- Start Conversations
Ask youth:
- Is money your goal or your tool?
- Would you rather be holy or rich?
- What if God calls you to serve, not sell?
- Show Joy Without Riches
The Church must be visibly joyful without glamor. No need for Gucci rosaries and TikTok-worthy chapels. - Train the Mind to Sing New Songs
Fill hearts with songs of truth and love, not just catchy beats.
We don’t need to cancel ABBA. But we can sing louder. Holier. Truer.
And maybe one day, the world will say:
“It’s not money that I want—it’s mercy.”