Artists have always had a love-hate relationship with the music business. Some celebrate it, others expose its darker corners. Here are 30 songs that pull back the curtain on managers, labels, and the industry machine.
“A&R” – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
The inner workings of label decision-making get a sharp, sarcastic dissection in this indie anthem.
“Ain’t No Fun (Waiting Round to Be a Millionaire)” – AC/DC
Few bands capture the grind of chasing fame like AC/DC, turning financial frustration into a bluesy roar.
“American Music” – Violent Femmes
With tongue firmly in cheek, Violent Femmes question the manufactured identity of what gets labeled as “American” sound.
“Artists Only” – Talking Heads
David Byrne puts the ego-driven side of artistry on blast, mocking the industry’s obsession with image over substance.
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” – The Verve
A song forever tied to a legal battle over royalties, proving that even a massive hit can become a cautionary tale.
“Cigarettes & Alcohol” – Oasis
Swaggering through excess, Oasis lays bare the vices that come with rock stardom—and the industry’s role in it all.
“Contract on the World Love Jam” – Public Enemy
Before the beats drop, this spoken-word intro sets a fierce tone, calling out the exploitation of Black artists in the music world.
“Death on Two Legs” – Queen
Freddie Mercury’s venomous takedown of Queen’s former manager, Norman Sheffield, who allegedly mishandled their finances.
“Deeper and Deeper” – Madonna
Between pulsating beats, Madonna slips in a nod to the pressures of fame and the industry’s relentless demands on pop icons.
“E.M.I.” – Sex Pistols
Spitting in the face of the label that dropped them, the Pistols prove that rebellion sells just as well as conformity.
“Everything Is Borrowed” – The Streets
Mike Skinner reflects on the fleeting nature of success, hinting at the industry’s tendency to chew up and spit out artists.
“Free Man in Paris” – Joni Mitchell
Joni paints a wistful portrait of label executive David Geffen longing for freedom from the business he built.
“Have a Cigar” – Pink Floyd
Few lines cut through music industry nonsense quite like: “By the way, which one’s Pink?”
“Hey, Mr. Manager” – Badfinger
Frustration turns into melody as Badfinger vents about their financial downfall thanks to a shady manager.
“I Wanna Be Rich” – Calloway
Drenched in flashy synths, this track playfully contrasts the dream of stardom with the brutal reality of music contracts.
“Industry” – Jon McLaughlin
Profit over passion—the sad truth of the business, spelled out in haunting piano-driven reflections.
“It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (But I Like It)” – The Rolling Stones
A tongue-in-cheek reminder that trends come and go, but having fun with music never goes out of style.
“Joe’s Garage” – Frank Zappa
A dystopian nightmare unfolds in Zappa’s cautionary tale, envisioning a world where music itself is illegal.
“Money Changes Everything” – Cyndi Lauper
Once success enters the equation, relationships—whether personal or professional—are never quite the same again.
“Mr. Record Man” – Willie Nelson
Few songs lay bare the struggle of getting signed like this country classic, pleading for a shot at recognition.
“My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” – Brian Eno & David Byrne
Music beyond the mainstream—this experimental album challenges industry norms at every turn.
“Nobody’s Business” – Rihanna
Not every artist lets the music industry dictate their narrative—Rihanna draws the line in this defiant anthem.
“On the Radio” – Regina Spektor
A nostalgic dive into how songs shape memories, while questioning the industry’s grip on what gets heard.
“Pop Life” – Prince
Behind the shimmering synths lies a deeper exploration of fame, excess, and image-driven artistry.
“Radio Radio” – Elvis Costello
Corporate control over airwaves takes center stage as Costello rebels against industry censorship.
“Rock and Roll” – The Velvet Underground
Music’s transformative power gets celebrated—despite the industry’s constant push to package and sell it.
“So You Want to Be a Rock ’n’ Roll Star” – The Byrds
A sarcastic guide to fame, warning that success comes with a price.
“The Great Wall of China” – Billy Joel
Inspired by Joel’s own lawsuit against his manager, this track is a sobering look at financial betrayal.
“You Never Give Me Your Money” – The Beatles
Paul McCartney captures the collapse of business relationships in a song dripping with disillusionment.
The music industry is a machine, but artists never stop finding ways to expose its gears. Whether through biting satire or heartfelt reflection, these songs remind us that behind every hit, there’s a story. And sometimes it’s about the hand that feeds them