Do you need a great playlist for your next shopping trip? We’ve got you covered.
Check out this ultimate list of the best songs about shopping for moments when you’re ready to spend some money. There are 43 amazing shopping songs on this list, so you’re sure to find something you love.
1. “7 rings” by Ariana Grande
“7 rings” is an iconic song about shopping from Ariana Grade’s fifth studio album, thank u, next. Released in 2019, “7 rings” follows Ariana as she spends money–and lots of it.
With almost no limit to the money in her bank account, Ariana tells a story of extravagance where “happiness is the same price as red bottoms,” and she takes friendship bracelets to a whole new level with seven diamond rings for her and her closest friends.
2. “Thrift Shop feat. Wanz” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
In his hit song from 2012, Macklemore tells a much different story where he rocks your grandpa’s style with hand-me-downs and hot thrifted finds like a 99-cent leopard mink.
In “Thrift Shop,” we explore a world where a man has only $20 in his pocket to spend on vintage clothes that look better than they smell.
Macklemore even criticizes extravagance with the idea of buying a $50 Gucci t-shirt. He says, “I call that getting tricked by business.” I wonder what he thinks of Ariana’s 7 rings.
3. “(How Much Is) That Doggie in The Window” by Patti Page
Shopping isn’t a theme reserved for current music. In 1953, Patti Page sang of her desire for a puppy to provide companionship and protection.
In “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window,” Patti Page explains that a kitty, a fish, a bunny, or a parrot just won’t do. She needs a dog, and she’s a woman who knows what she wants.
4. “Material Girl” by Madonna
Madonna released “Material Girl” in 1984 on her album Like A Virgin. In this song about shopping, she explains that “everybody’s living in a material world,” and that makes her a material girl (hence the name of the song).
She talks about the type of men who will pursue her, and she hints that the only ones she’ll give a chance are the ones who can afford to buy her presents when she says, “the boy with the cold hard cash / is always Mr. Right.”
5. “Shop Around” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Madonna might be asking her men to shop around for gifts, but in 1961, The Miracles were shopping around for women in a different sense.
In Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ song “Shop Around,” the boys talk about advice from one of their mothers. She tells them to shop around and “try to get yourself a bargain, son” because it’s easier to find a pretty woman than one who will truly love you.
6. “No Shopping feat. Drake” by French Montana
In French Montana and Drake’s “No Shopping,” relationships and money come up again. But this time, the men emphasize that they’re not going to buy women expensive things.
In “No Shopping,” French Montana ends the song by saying, “the birds want rings and tings you know / but we’ll never take the bird shoppin’.” French Montana and Madonna probably wouldn’t work out.
7. “Rich Girl feat. Eve” by Gwen Stefani
In “Rich Girl,” it seems like Gwen Stefani is living life like Macklemore’s and dreaming of a life like Ariana’s.
She imagines a life with endless riches and says, “think what money could bring / I’d buy everything.” In 2004, it seemed like Gwen needed more money, but she seems to be doing pretty well now with a happy marriage and three kids.
8. “Bills, bills, bills” by Destiny’s Child
If you thought our other shopping songs brought relationship drama, get ready for Destiny Child’s “Bills, bills, bills” from 2009, where the protagonist of the song complains of their boyfriend’s shopping habits.
Here’s the drama. The boyfriend maxes out her credit card and buys her gifts with her own money. He never pays the bills (any of them) but regularly shops at the mall.
These women are right to call him a “trifilin’, good-for-nothing type of brother.”
9. “Fancy ft. Charli XCX” by Iggy Azalea
In her song “Fancy” from 2014, Iggy Azalea brags about how fancy she is–and how much money she has to spend.
Much like Ariana, Iggy emphasizes that it “feels so good getting what I want.” Instead of naming all the expensive items she buys, Iggy focuses on the experiences money can buy, like traveling from LA to Tokyo and getting drunk at a hotel minibar.
10. “Primadonna” by Marina and the Diamonds
You might be able to guess from the song title, but “Primadonna” echoes Madonna’s “Material Girl.” At the beginning of this song from 2012, Marina and the Diamonds asks if her lover would “buy a diamond ring” for her.
She continues to explain that “I’m a Primadonna girl, yeah / All I ever wanted was the world /I can’t help that I need it all.” She sounds a lot like Iggy and Ariana!
11. “Nan You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen
Lily Allen released “Nan You’re a Window Shopper” back in 2006, and based on these lyrics, Lily Allen’s grandmother is more likely to relate to Macklemore than anyone else on this list.
In the chorus of the song, Lily repeats the title of the song and continues, “taking a look but you never buy / you won’t pick it up if it’s over a fiver.” It seems like Nan is certainly a frugal shopper who likes to save money (and we know what that’s like here on Koopy.com).
12. “Shoes” by Liam Kyle Sullivan as Kelly
In 2006, Liam Kyle Sullivan posted a YouTube video where his alter ego Kelly performs “Shoes.”
“Shoes” quickly became an iconic viral video as an outrageous parody of people who collect shoes. Kelly shops for shoes, decides which ones rule and which ones suck, reveals that she is willing to pay $300 for a pair of heels, and struggles to find shoes in her size.
13. “Queen of the Supermarket” by Bruce Springsteen
Get ready for the best grocery store song you’ve ever heard: “Queen of the Supermarket.” Bruce Springsteen sings his heart out about a woman who works at the grocery store.
The song follows his journey as he shops, pays for his groceries, and puts them in his car–all the while daydreaming about the beautiful woman who works the register.
Released in 2009, “Queen of the Supermarket” was incredibly controversial. Some critics even dare to call it the worst song of Bruce Springsteen’s career. Ouch.
14. “Shopping” by The Jam
In 1982, The Jam released “Shopping,” a forlorn song about shopping in a world that wasn’t made for you.
In this song, the singer tries on different clothes, searching for the right fit. However, he only feels out of place and “inadequate.” “Shopping” speaks to the consumer’s need to fill an unfillable void–which rings as true today as it did in the 80s.
15. “Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys
Five years after “Shopping” by The Jam came out, Pet Shop Boys released their own shopping song in 1987.
The song’s chorus spells out shopping, and we hear the singers say “We’re S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G / We’re shopping.” You can’t deny it’s catchy.
Although the song began as a joke about a leisurely shopping trip, it developed into a criticism of the UK government’s decision to sell nationalized industries to private companies.
16. “Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who
In the 70s and 80s, leisurely shopping became a widespread phenomenon–but so did the population of so-called “shopping bag ladies.” These people were often homeless or impoverished, and they got this nickname from the shopping bags they would carry around.
The Guess Who released “Shopping Bag Lady” in 1975 as an ode to these people and their need for kindness, support, and a helping hand. They sing “it’s never too late to try and help you out.”
17. “Lost in the Supermarket” by The Clash
Despite the upbeat sound of “Lost in the Supermarket,” this song tells another story of a person who tries to fill a void inside them by buying more stuff.
The chorus repeats “I’m all lost in the supermarket / I can no longer shop happily / I came in here for a special offer / A guaranteed personality.” It seems like The Clash never found what they were looking for.
18. “Shopping” by Barenaked Ladies
Apparently, the Barenaked Ladies didn’t get the memo from The Clash or the Jam–because they think that “everything will always be alright / when we go shopping.”
Their song “Shopping” is an ode to consumerism with rose-colored glasses that was released in 2003.
19. “I Don’t Go Shopping” by Patti LaBelle
However, Patti LaBelle has figured it out. Instead of shopping in stores, she knows that her happiness is right in front of her.
This sweet love song was released in 1980, and it’s the perfect song for a romantic slow dance. Since Patti LaBelle “found out what it’s all about,” she can proudly say “I don’t go shopping anymore.”
20. “Shopping Bags (She Got From You)” by De La Soul
In 2004, De La Soul released a song about shopping that relates to relationships once again. But this time, the theme is about someone who spends all their money on a girl who doesn’t reciprocate the affection.
Maybe instead of shopping for Prada and Burberry, this guy should have “shopped around” for a woman who could really love him.
21. “Window Shopping” by Lisa Loeb
This sentiment that men can go shopping for women in a literal sense seems to tug at Lisa Loeb, who sings “try me on / take me home / the tags are on / it’s still a loan.” Her song “Window Shopping” is a forlorn tune that ends with her saying “You can always take me back.”
22. “Shopping for Blood” by Franz Ferdinand
In 2003, Franz Ferdinand released “Shopping for Blood” on their album Darts of Pleasure. The song is about the lifestyle of the upper class–a lifestyle that’s all about shopping.
Although the lyrics are simple, “Shopping for Blood” emphasizes how specific clothing can impact others’ perception of you at important occasions like a first appearance or a court appeal.
23. “Material Boy” by Millencolin
Millencolin is a punk rock band that formed in 1992. In 2000, “Material Boy” made its debut on the album Pennybridge Pioneers.
The song echoes some of the others on this list as an ode to the insatiable need for more. The lyrics mention plenty of things that most of us can probably relate to wanting: a house, a new TV, a cell phone, a pool. The list goes on and on.
The chorus reveals the truth that “there will always be new stuff to buy,” which fuels human greed and the need for more things.
24. “Christmas Shopping” by Buck Owens
Buck Owens’ “Christmas Shopping” is an old country song from 1968 that’s still relatable. He sings of all the items he bought for his family for Christmas–and the headache of Christmas shopping.
But even though all the walking and searching can drive you insane, it’s worth it on Christmas day when the kids open their presents.
25. “Window Shopping” by George Jones
“Window Shopping” is George Jones twangy ode to, well, window shopping. He sings “You’re not buying / you’re just trying / to find the best deal in town.” We know what that’s like at Koopy.com! We’re always searching for the best deals to save money.
Well, George isn’t talking about coupons here. He’s actually speaking about a woman who won’t commit to a relationship with any of the men she dates.
26. “Freedom Lika Shopping Cart” by NOFX
NOFX’s 1996 song “Freedom Lika Shopping Cart,” homelessness is nearly glorified as a way of life that promotes true freedom without working or paying rent.
The song tells the story of “Rae” who lives in a “cardboard condominium by the bay,” enjoys “free meals,” and rejects any sense of responsibility. Well, it seems likes the cost of Rae’s freedom is that he can’t go shopping.
27. “Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn
“Shopping for Dresses” is a forlorn country song about men who shop for dresses and women who shop for trousers. This isn’t a progressive song from the 60s–it’s about how they’re hoping to find a partner who will wear these clothes in the future.
If you ask me, it seems like a better idea to shop for yourself instead of an imaginary person.
28. “Window Shopper” by 50 Cent
50 Cent’s “Window Shopper” is another song about coming up and spending money. Except for this time, 50 Cent is comparing his wealth to someone who’s only pretending to have money.
He speaks of the window shopper as someone who knows they can’t afford the expensive things they browse in the stores–and this person even has the audacity to test drive cars they could never buy.
29. “Shopping from A to Z” by Toni Basil
We all know Toni Basil’s iconic lines “Hey Mickey, you’re so fine / you’re so fine you blow my mind,” and that same energy resonates in her song, “Shopping from A to Z.” It’s the perfect 80s anthem to listen to while you grocery shop.
30. “Throw it in the Bag ft. The-Dream” by Fabolous
Fabolous and The Dream’s “Throw it in the Bag” is reminiscent of De La Soul’s “Shopping Bags,” except it was released 5 years after and is less resentful.
This song emphasizes that men should be willing and able to provide for their partners–and it generated the “throw it in the bag” dance move, which you can pull out on your next shopping trip.
31. “Capital (It Fails Us Now)” by Gang of Four
“Capital (It Fails Us Now)” is an underground rock song that is as confusing as it is alluring. It’s about a baby born in a superstore surrounded by luxury goods.
The one-day-year-old infant wants to use their credit card, but it turns out they forgot it… in their “other suit.”
32. “Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits
“Spend spend spend” is a dreamy and forlorn song by The Slits from 1979. The central theme of the song is a life without meaning. To “satisfy this empty feeling,” the protagonist of the song wants to buy something new.
33. “Shoplifting” by The Slits
“Spend spend spend” doesn’t have to be the only song by The Slits on your shopping playlist. This ode to shoplifting is an angrily empowered tune about running with your pockets stuffed.
The end of the music video ends with teenage girls who don’t need to shoplift from stores anymore–because they’ve stolen someone’s wallet.
34. “Rockin’ Shopping Center” by Jonathan Richman
Jonathan Richman’s “Rockin’ Shopping Center” has a completely different sound than The Slits, and the ideas in the song are much lighter, too–even though these artists were releasing music around the same time.
“Rockin’ Shopping Center” is a silly folky rock song about shopping that details the experience of shopping in a large mall plaza.
35. “Albee Square Mall” by Biz Markie
If you want to add a mall song to your shopping playlist, then you need to know about this 80s song from the golden age of hip hop: “Albee Square Mall.” Biz Markie raps about how this mall feels just like home.
Biz Markie tells us how he spends so much time at this Brooklyn mall that he garners more respect than the employees.
36. “Shopping for Clothes” by The Coasters
If you like the funky vibes, then let’s hop over to 1961 and listen to “Shopping for Clothes” by The Coasters.
This song is a delightful conversation between a suit salesman and a man shopping for clothes, as the title suggests. You can decide if the best part is the saxophone solo or the twist ending to the story.
37. “The Mall” by Gang Starr
Gang Starr’s song, “The Mall” is another fantastic ode to shopping. While walking in a crowded mall might seem appalling to people who would rather just order online, it’s a nostalgic idea for others.
Like Biz Markie, Gang Starr loves to spend time at the mall, and we can’t blame him.
38. “Customer” by The Replacements
The lyrics of “Customer” by The Replacements are sparse but moving when paired with The Replacement’s intense alt-rock guitar riffs. This song tells the story of a customer in love with a check-out girl. From the sound of it, his passion is driving him mad.
39. “Papa Won’t You Let Me Go To Town With You?” by Bobbie Gentry
For people who want shopping songs that are a bit softer than The Replacements and even Gang Starr, Bobbie Gentry’s pure-hearted “Papa Won’t You Let Me Go To Town With You?” fits the bill.
It’s about a country girl who wants to tag along on her father’s errands. Although she’s a bit dramatic when she says, “If you don’t let me go, I’ll just die,” she’s pretty convincing when she offers to make dessert.
40. “Handbags and Gladrags” by Chris Farlowe
Written by Mike d’Abo and sung by Chris Farlowe, “Handbags and Gladrags” is a 60s hit where the singer tries to convince a young woman that being trendy isn’t the way to achieve happiness.
He confesses that he believes throwing away her worldly possessions instead of buying more of them is the best path forward.
41. “You Are the Generation that Bought More Shoes and You Get What You Deserve” by Johnny Boy
Don’t let the excessively long name of this alternative indie pop song from 2006 turn you away. Johnny Boy’s “You Are the Generation that Bought More Shoes and You Get What You Deserve” (wow that’s a mouthful) is a poetic ode to the consequences of consumerism.
42. “All Falls Down ft. Syleena Johnson” by Kanye West
“All Falls Down” is a must-have song about shopping on your mall playlist. Let Syleena Johnson’s iconic vocals soothe you as Kanye tells the story of a “single black female addicted to retail,” which mirrors his own story, too.
Kanye confesses that despite all the things money can buy, self-confidence isn’t one of them.
43. “99 Cents” by Chicks on Speed
An overwhelming amount of shopping songs play on the misogynistic claim that women are only interested in men’s money–but the German American Australian electro-pop duo Chicks on Speed challenge that notion in their song “99 Cents.”
The feminist duo challenges stereotypes and critiques capitalism as a global systemic issue.
FAQs About These Songs About Shopping
What songs are good to listen to while shopping?
You can listen to anything while shopping, but we highly recommend getting in the mood with a dedicated playlist packed with songs about shopping. Review our favorite 43 songs about shopping to see what’s worth adding to your shopping playlist.
Are there a lot of songs about shopping?
There are tons of songs about shopping, and we gathered our favorite 43 of them. Check out our big list of shopping songs.
What is the oldest song about shopping?
The oldest song about shopping on our list of shopping songs is “(How much Is) That Doggie in the Window” from 1953, but there are lots of songs about shopping from the 50s and 60s!
Do artists still write songs about shopping?
Absolutely. Artists love to write about shopping, especially in America where materialism and capitalism dominate. Just look at Ariana Grande’s “7 rings” or Drake’s “No Shopping,” which were both released in 2019.
What are good Christmas shopping songs?
When you do your Christmas shopping, you might want to listen to a dedicated Christmas music playlist–but if you have a lot of shopping to do, it can get old fast. Try making a unique shopping playlist with the great songs about shopping we’ve compiled!
Final Thoughts: Your Favorite Songs About Shopping
Even though these 43 songs about shopping are our favorites, they aren’t the only shopping songs out there.
Do you know a song about shopping that didn’t make it to our list? In the comments below, tell us the name of the song and why you like to listen to it–whether it’s on your shopping playlist or not.
