The lyrics of "Money Becomes King" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers reflect on a time when music was pure and not driven by money. The song tells the story of Johnny, a musician who used to play for the love of it, not for profit. However, with the commercialization of the music industry, the purity of the art form is lost as money takes over.

Meaning of "Money Becomes King" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

"Money Becomes King" delves deep into the theme of commercialization and how it affects art and music. The song reminisces about a time when music was about passion and soul, not money. Johnny, the symbol of the authentic musician, gradually loses his essence as the music industry becomes more profit-driven. The rise in ticket prices, the influence of television, and the shift towards entertainment for the elite all contribute to the degradation of music as an art form. The song critiques how even the most genuine artists can get caught up in the industry's demands and lose their connection to their craft. The ultimate realization that "money became king" highlights the sad truth that art, once driven by creativity and emotion, is now overshadowed by financial gain.