Mark Knoffler (lead singer/guitarist) was in a department store and wandered into the electronics section with rows and rows of televisions tuned to MTV. Some of the store's delivery guys were watching and complaining about the rock stars not actually working and getting "money for nothing" while they had to deliver microwave ovens and refrigerators. Mark just pulled out a note pad and started writing down everything the delivery guys were saying as they trash talked every musician that came on the screen.
My favourite part about this composition is that there is a high degree of likelihood that those inspirational salesmen were watching those very TV's when they first heard this song on MTV. What a hilarious response to their insults. It's like, 'I hear you. And yup, you're right. It is that good.' The fact that Sting does the backup vocal just gets one more lazy rock star in there. :-D
@@s.mcpherson6354 You know, that thought never occurred to me. Could you imagine still being at that same job, however many months later, seeing that video, and hearing your OWN WORDS coming back at you!? 😂
@@strangeworldsunlimited712 Exactly. You'd recognize that collection of ideas as ones you'd thought. And then when you learned the origins of the song, you'd find out you and your friends sat around and insulted a great musician right in front of his face.
This is an incredible band that gets overlooked all too often. You should totally listen to another tune off this album, "Walk of Life". It'll get you moving!
We laughed just as hard back in the day when first listening to this song. Apparently, as the story goes, one of the band members overheard the workers in an appliance store. They made references to MTV, it's music and one Boy George. Then they continued to complain about their job and how much easier it was to be a musician. Ahh...Memories...
Love Dire Straits. They are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Sultans Of Swing", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
They had the great ability to play very musically serious songs like Telegraph Road with a ton of really "fun" songs, another of which would be Industrial Disease.
The song is sung from the perspective of two appliance deliverymen watching MTV music videos on the appliance store's televisions while on a break between deliveries. It's actually quite brilliant both musically and lyrically.
It's Sting from "The Police" singing that higher second voice on this song. Mark Knopfler, the guitarist wrote so many great songs and still does in his solo career. I can reccomend "Tunnel of Love" , "Telegraph Road", "Why Worry", "Your Latest Trick", "Brothers in arms" , "Calling Elvis" and "Planet of New Orleans". He keeps writing great songs in his solo career with songs like "Sailing to Philadelphia", "What it is", "Speedwat at Nazareth", "Boom like that" , "Coyote" and "song for Sonny Liston"
Dire Straits!! Great reaction guys! The song is great, so is the video. (no being PC back then. People were WAY more chill, no phony outrage). Back in the mid 80's MTV was where you went to see innovative videos and hear cool new music. Nothing like that around now.
Shawn and Mel you are so adorable. You feel the music, you roll with the music, you understand the music. Sadly you are down there in the U.S. and I am up here in Canada. I would love the chance to chill with you. That would be a blast. I cry with great songs and hubby does the same. Take care.
That guitar intro will get you EVERYTIME!! Great song, great reaction. Have you guys reacted to STEELY DAN yet? They have a cool jazz meets rock sound. Some of their hits include, "DO IT AGAIN". "BLACK COW", and "FM". They have a deep catalog, and you guys would love them. PEACE OUT!
This is one of the first few music videos that were played on MTV, back when MTV actually played music videos. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles was the vary first video that debuted on MTV. Money for Nothing was not long after that. Mark Knophler has some great songs like Walk of Life, Romeo and Juliet, So Far Away, Bothers in Arms, Saltans of Swing and more.
Not on American MTV though. That was way too early for this vid. I think this was the first vid played when mtv came to Europe. About 1985 I think.🤔 But don't quote me on that.
Awesome group going from the 70's through the 90's. This reminds me of my son who passed away in 2019. He lost his battle with bone cancer. I can still hear him singing this song. Love you my son! ❤
When MTV was Music TV 24/7 love it that they had the OG commerical (the only commerical) on MTV on the GCI TV in the video. love it when NASSA was their only sponsor. CGI animation and graphics was still new then. so seeing the MTV logo on the moon Flag was wow at the time then came Dire Straits with Money for Nothing. with its CGI animation and post CGI graphics as the whole video. it was WOW at the time.
Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting. Purely British. 🇬🇧 Before this, Sting wrote Synchronicity 2 for his band The Police. Same key 🔑 as Money 4 Nothing. Sting sang the backing vocal. He is not in the video. 1 of the top videos of 1985. 🏆 Suggested next Dire Straits video 📹 Walk of Life. Suggested Police video 📹 Synchronicity 2. 🇬🇧
He actually got the idea for this song when he was in an appliance store and he heard one guy talking to another guy that worked there about how these guys don't work and just play their guitars on MTV!
It's beautiful to see you two react to these old bands when we were young listening to them 🤭 I'm pretty sure your smiles were identical to ours This band is truly a GREAT SOUND Australia 💕 Christina
Exactly. We used to hear it all the time as kids, and say it to friends lol. It was just a funny insult to us, as here in the uk that word is the name of a famous dish here. It's called mr brains F...... It's giant meatballs in gravy lol. True story.😂
This is (in my opinion) the greatest build up at the beginning of a rock song. The higher voice is Sting from The Police. Try out Sultans of Swing and Walk of life next. Then when you want to hear their more serious side try Brothers in Arms.
Finally!! Thanks so much for playin’ & the reaction! You even played the proper video. Just to reiterate, the worker dudes carrying in tv, refrigerators, & microwaves were making fun of the band. Money for nothing, chicks for free. Love this song! 💜🍀👍👑💕😝🎄
Cheers 🍻 Shawn & Mel...ya gotta trust me on this one...give yourselfs a mega insane mind blowing into a kazillion pieces early X-mas gift with the live versions of Dire Straits...especially Alchemy live with them masterpieces like: Sultans of Swing, Telegraph Road, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love (and the live at Wembley 1985 version!)...promise you guys won't regret it...you will if ya don't try it 😁
I love this song and video! Fun fact: that’s Sting singing the intro and in the song with Mark Knopfler (lead singer)! This song was a classic eighties hit and was at the peak of the MTV craze! MTV used the “I Want My MTV” in its promotions!! ❤️❤️
Suggestion for reaction: Another all-time classic you probably never heard about: Peter, Paul & Mary: "Puff The Magic Dragon" Live 1963 (Reelin' In The Years Archive)
This music video was very early CGI. It was pretty revolutionary at the time. It's still hilariously entertaining. Mark Knopfler is very notable for finger picking. He doesn't use a guitar pick at all, and has a very distinctive sound. What he does is not easy to do.
You guys should watch the live version of this. It really does a good job of capturing how they feel when you see them live. Like Springsteen, he puts on an energetic show.
The beginning instrumental is the embodiment of the slow clicking of the chains on a monster roller coaster 🎢 while going up & the dropping you like a brick at over 100mph. Insane buildup & explosion in a song.
We loved dancing to this one at the nightclubs. You might give Loverboy a listen to with songs like EveryBody's Working For The Weekend, or Loving Every Minute Of It. . 👍
Other commenters have mentioned how the song came to be written. Another great but overlooked song with just that kind of genesis is Elton John's "Texan Love Song". The lyrics consist entirely of comments the band heard from men across the South and in Texas on their first tour of the States. It's a great satire on CW and wickedly funny. You'd both love it. :)
Mark Knoffler (lead singer/guitarist) was in a department store and wandered into the electronics section with rows and rows of televisions tuned to MTV. Some of the store's delivery guys were watching and complaining about the rock stars not actually working and getting "money for nothing" while they had to deliver microwave ovens and refrigerators. Mark just pulled out a note pad and started writing down everything the delivery guys were saying as they trash talked every musician that came on the screen.
You beat me to it. The story behind (and video for) this song are as epic as the main guitar riff.
My favourite part about this composition is that there is a high degree of likelihood that those inspirational salesmen were watching those very TV's when they first heard this song on MTV. What a hilarious response to their insults. It's like, 'I hear you. And yup, you're right. It is that good.' The fact that Sting does the backup vocal just gets one more lazy rock star in there. :-D
@@s.mcpherson6354 You know, that thought never occurred to me. Could you imagine still being at that same job, however many months later, seeing that video, and hearing your OWN WORDS coming back at you!? 😂
@@strangeworldsunlimited712 Exactly. You'd recognize that collection of ideas as ones you'd thought. And then when you learned the origins of the song, you'd find out you and your friends sat around and insulted a great musician right in front of his face.
wow interesting
I'm glad that you played the uncensored version.
I’m sure you love that word
@@jacksonfitzsimmons4253uh no censorship sucks.. but then liberals suck.. end of discussion..boom
Got video of the year on MTV. We were always glued to the set when this video came on. It was revolutionary for its time.
Based on a true story.
This is an incredible band that gets overlooked all too often. You should totally listen to another tune off this album, "Walk of Life". It'll get you moving!
Yes
Walk of Life is my favorite from them. It makes you happy and brings positive vibes.
Not overlooked at all, Mark Knofler is always in the conversation when you talk about iconic guitar players.
Dire straights is not overlooked whatsoever lol
“THAT’S the way you do it!!” THATS THE WAY YOU MAKE A MUSIC VIDEO AND THATS THE WAY YOU PLAY THE GUITAR!!
“That’s the way you do it!!!”
❤
We laughed just as hard back in the day when first listening to this song. Apparently, as the story goes, one of the band members overheard the workers in an appliance store. They made references to MTV, it's music and one Boy George. Then they continued to complain about their job and how much easier it was to be a musician. Ahh...Memories...
It was Mark Knopfler himself, he wrote all Dire Straits songs
This actually got video of the year when it came out in the 80's.
Love Dire Straits. They are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Sultans Of Swing", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
They had the great ability to play very musically serious songs like Telegraph Road with a ton of really "fun" songs, another of which would be Industrial Disease.
My fave is 6 Blade Knife
And don't forget Water of Love
GuitaristS*
@@mikemaricle9941 I like it too, don't know why I'm saying that, I pretty much like everything they do.
It was Sting who sang the MTV intro.
He's also the "2nd delivery guy" backing up mark through out the track.
The song is sung from the perspective of two appliance deliverymen watching MTV music videos on the appliance store's televisions while on a break between deliveries.
It's actually quite brilliant both musically and lyrically.
Romeo and Juliet.. Brothers in arms
It's Sting from "The Police" singing that higher second voice on this song.
Mark Knopfler, the guitarist wrote so many great songs and still does in his solo career.
I can reccomend "Tunnel of Love" , "Telegraph Road", "Why Worry", "Your Latest Trick", "Brothers in arms" , "Calling Elvis" and "Planet of New Orleans".
He keeps writing great songs in his solo career with songs like "Sailing to Philadelphia", "What it is", "Speedwat at Nazareth", "Boom like that" , "Coyote" and "song for Sonny Liston"
Sting wrote the "I Want My Mtv" jingle for the station in its early days. His appearing on the Dire Straits song is a natural.
Oh yeah. One of my favorite bands. Love this song . Hopefully you all will enjoy also. Love yall shirts.
Dire Straits!! Great reaction guys! The song is great, so is the video. (no being PC back then. People were WAY more chill, no phony outrage). Back in the mid 80's MTV was where you went to see innovative videos and hear cool new music. Nothing like that around now.
It was a different world back then. More fun! 😎
OMG! Arguably the best rock song!
Can't have this song on low volume!
Thank you!❤️👍😊
Shawn and Mel you are so adorable. You feel the music, you roll with the music, you understand the music. Sadly you are down there in the U.S. and I am up here in Canada. I would love the chance to chill with you. That would be a blast. I cry with great songs and hubby does the same. Take care.
"Earring and the makeup" I believe he's singing about the "Haircut 100" hit.
I was 14 when this song hit the airwaves and it was a phenomenal hit. Now this is one of the most recognizable riffs in the classic rock genre today.
That guitar intro will get you EVERYTIME!! Great song, great reaction. Have you guys reacted to STEELY DAN yet? They have a cool jazz meets rock sound. Some of their hits include, "DO IT AGAIN". "BLACK COW", and "FM". They have a deep catalog, and you guys would love them. PEACE OUT!
I still get a good laugh when this comes pn. Love it!
I always look forward to seeing people's reaction to the second verse.
Same here!! That was the times though. We talked a bit more frankly and freely back then!!
I like these two either didn't hear it, which I really doubt, or they just completely ignored it.🤣
This is one of the first few music videos that were played on MTV, back when MTV actually played music videos. Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles was the vary first video that debuted on MTV. Money for Nothing was not long after that. Mark Knophler has some great songs like Walk of Life, Romeo and Juliet, So Far Away, Bothers in Arms, Saltans of Swing and more.
Not on American MTV though. That was way too early for this vid.
I think this was the first vid played when mtv came to Europe. About 1985 I think.🤔 But don't quote me on that.
On the first day clevelands beloved son micheal Stanley was on heavy rotation. We just lost him
Listen To Dire Straits Sultans Of Swing I always listen to this full volume its a banger
The Animation here was Cutting Edge Computer Generated Imagery in it's infancy. We were dazzled by it...in 1985!
I remember seeing this iconic video for the first time back in '85 and being totally blown away by it. My how times have changed.
So much fun. Thanks for the music video. ❤️🎼🎸
Awesome group going from the 70's through the 90's. This reminds me of my son who passed away in 2019. He lost his battle with bone cancer. I can still hear him singing this song. Love you my son! ❤
So sorry for your loss...💞
Your son is with you in spirit. ♥️💔♥️💔 Sorry for your loss. 😔
He will always be with you Maryann and one day you will be re-united and you will hear this again from him:)
This was the first video they played on MTV Europe. It was such a huge deal.
Loved this song back in the day and still love Dire Strait
Dire Straights "Sultans of swing" 👍
You found the video now you're in my notifications I love this version because it's the way I heard it the first time they couldn't make this song now
When MTV was Music TV 24/7 love it that they had the OG commerical (the only commerical) on MTV on the GCI TV in the video. love it when NASSA was their only sponsor. CGI animation and graphics was still new then. so seeing the MTV logo on the moon Flag was wow at the time then came Dire Straits with Money for Nothing. with its CGI animation and post CGI graphics as the whole video. it was WOW at the time.
The voice singing “I want my MTV” at the beginning is the legend that is and fellow Geordie of Mark Knoffler Sting from The Police
It’s in the voice of a working-class guy who’s imagining how awesome it’d be to be a rock star.
The studio version of this song is one of the most awesome instrument Jam sessions from any song ever written
Walk Of Life
Brothers In Arms
Both are excellent, but very different.
Even more impressive to know Mark shredded freehand with no pick.
Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting. Purely British. 🇬🇧
Before this, Sting wrote Synchronicity 2 for his band The Police. Same key 🔑 as Money 4 Nothing.
Sting sang the backing vocal. He is not in the video.
1 of the top videos of 1985. 🏆
Suggested next Dire Straits video 📹 Walk of Life.
Suggested Police video 📹 Synchronicity 2. 🇬🇧
He actually got the idea for this song when he was in an appliance store and he heard one guy talking to another guy that worked there about how these guys don't work and just play their guitars on MTV!
An MTV throwback
"That's the way you do it ; get your money for nothing and your chicks for free" --- My life goals
😂😂😂 One of hardest songs to react nowadays (uncensored version) 😂😂
Love the music reactions and saw the family gathering earlier today so subscribed. Good people and good reactions 👏
when we had our MTV up to 1991 MTV played only music videos 24/7/365... thats all they did... we had it great...
first ever music video on MTV and is in the guiness book of records
People dont realise that STING from THE POLICE was also singing on this song?? Plus this reminds me a bit of MONEY from PINK FLOYD..
I love the stories behind the songs
Greatest guitar riff ever at the beginning of the song.
Dire Straits - Sultans of swing, Walk of Life, So far Away.
I appreciate y'all's energy. Thank you for doing these!
It's beautiful to see you two react to these old bands when we were young listening to them 🤭 I'm pretty sure your smiles were identical to ours
This band is truly a GREAT SOUND
Australia 💕 Christina
This was state of the art cg animation at the time. Love it.
One of the first videos on MTV...haha and I was there watchin.
I want my MTV a song I used to watch on MTV back in the day.
This video beat out A Ha for best video of the year. Both were amazing for their time.
Back in the 80’s nobody took offense to that word! We weren’t hateful, it was more about somebody with a job where they were going nowhere!
Exactly. We used to hear it all the time as kids, and say it to friends lol. It was just a funny insult to us, as here in the uk that word is the name of a famous dish here. It's called mr brains F......
It's giant meatballs in gravy lol. True story.😂
This is (in my opinion) the greatest build up at the beginning of a rock song. The higher voice is Sting from The Police. Try out Sultans of Swing and Walk of life next. Then when you want to hear their more serious side try Brothers in Arms.
OOOOAH.. Please do walk of life. You'll absolutely love it
Finally!! Thanks so much for playin’ & the reaction! You even played the proper video. Just to reiterate, the worker dudes carrying in tv, refrigerators, & microwaves were making fun of the band. Money for nothing, chicks for free. Love this song! 💜🍀👍👑💕😝🎄
Dire Straits with ''Sting'' guest starring on back up vocals.
Okay, okay. Finally. Let's go back and enjoy.
Walk of Life (video) and Sultans of Swing.
MTV CLASSIC!!
Oh my goodness I haven't heard these guys in so long
"I want my MTV" sang by Sting (formerly from The Police). :-)
No one has pointed this out but, This was the FIRST computer animated music video
The greatest intro guitar riff of all time!
Greatest song of the 80s
Cheers 🍻 Shawn & Mel...ya gotta trust me on this one...give yourselfs a mega insane mind blowing into a kazillion pieces early X-mas gift with the live versions of Dire Straits...especially Alchemy live with them masterpieces like: Sultans of Swing, Telegraph Road, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love (and the live at Wembley 1985 version!)...promise you guys won't regret it...you will if ya don't try it 😁
Used to love their song HEAVY FUEL
Yes, Heavy Fuel is really good!✌👍
God damn sting is perfect for those few seconds
One of the best refs in rock n roll
I love this song and video! Fun fact: that’s Sting singing the intro and in the song with Mark Knopfler (lead singer)! This song was a classic eighties hit and was at the peak of the MTV craze! MTV used the “I Want My MTV” in its promotions!! ❤️❤️
One of the best intros ever 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Suggestion for reaction:
Another all-time classic you probably never heard about:
Peter, Paul & Mary: "Puff The Magic Dragon" Live 1963 (Reelin' In The Years Archive)
This music video was very early CGI. It was pretty revolutionary at the time. It's still hilariously entertaining.
Mark Knopfler is very notable for finger picking. He doesn't use a guitar pick at all, and has a very distinctive sound. What he does is not easy to do.
We had a blast in the 80s
You have to react to Sultans of Swing Alchemy live version…it’ll blow your socks off 🔥🔥🔥🔥
You guys should watch the live version of this. It really does a good job of capturing how they feel when you see them live. Like Springsteen, he puts on an energetic show.
When video took over the radio-true story
I'd love to see you two with your own TV show !!!! PLEASE DO ZZ TOP,,,, I NEED YOU TONIGHT !!!!!!
Walk of Life........ by Dire straits.
The beginning instrumental is the embodiment of the slow clicking of the chains on a monster roller coaster 🎢 while going up & the dropping you like a brick at over 100mph. Insane buildup & explosion in a song.
Oh yeah another MTV classic loved it. Thanks for time machine me back in time.
This was the start of MTV on TV
Walk of Life is my favorite song by them
OMG I love you two 😍
Walk of Life!!!! Fun song and You’d enjoy the video too!! You already reacted to Sultans of Swing right? Happy holidays!!
Very fun reaction!!
They got my vote too. Listen to Tunnel of Love from Dire Straits next.
react to their songs “your latest trick” and “brothers in arms..
I blasted this song so many times while out cruising. Those were the good ol days!
Just discovered this channel, its great.
Another Cool 70s band!
My absolute favourite Mark Knopfler song
We loved dancing to this one at the nightclubs. You might give Loverboy a listen to with songs like EveryBody's Working For The Weekend, or Loving Every Minute Of It. . 👍
Y’all are awesome
Other commenters have mentioned how the song came to be written. Another great but overlooked song with just that kind of genesis is Elton John's "Texan Love Song". The lyrics consist entirely of comments the band heard from men across the South and in Texas on their first tour of the States. It's a great satire on CW and wickedly funny. You'd both love it. :)
Of all the reaction videos I've subscribed to.. You 2 are the best ❤️❤️