Shopping is when you check out what different stores offer to buy something you want. When you turn shopping into a hobby, you start being a smart shopper who looks for experiences, not just things.
Instead of buying a lot of things, you start choosing quality over quantity. You pick items that bring you joy, relaxation, or creativity right then and there.
Shopping as a hobby is something you do for fun, not because you have to or for work. It becomes enjoyable when you’re not trying to fill a gap in yourself by spending money on things you don’t really need.
Some songs talk about shopping, consumerism, and wanting lots of stuff. They might explore things like luxury, fashion, or the desire for possessions.
In this playlist, we’ve put together a list of 20 songs all about shopping.
Contents
- 20 Songs About Shopping
- 1. “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (feat. Wanz)
- 2. “I Don’t Go Shopping” by Patti LaBelle
- 3. “Too High for the Supermarket” by The Uninvited
- 4. “Baby’s Gone Shopping” by Jimmy Buffett
- 5. “Shopping for Girls” by David Bowie
- 6. “Lost in the Supermarket” by The Clash
- 7. “Store Bought Bones” by The Raconteurs
- 8. “Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who
- 9. “No Shopping feat. Drake” by French Montana
- 10. “Supermarket Blues” by Eugene McDaniels
- 11. “Rockin’ Shopping Centre” by Jonathan Richman
- 12. “Shoplifters of the World Unite” by The Smiths
- 13. “Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn
- 14. “Shopping A To Z” By Toni Basil
- 15. “Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits
- 16. “Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys
- 17. “Window Shopper” by 50 Cent
- 18. “Shop Around” by The Miracles
- 19. “Nan You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen
- 20. “Shopping Bags” by De La Soul
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
20 Songs About Shopping
1. “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (feat. Wanz)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFEiriVZeNs&pp=ygU4IlRocmlmdCBTdG9yZSIgYnkgTWFja2xlbW9yZSBhbmQgUnlhbiBMZXdpcyAoZmVhdC4gV2Fueik%3D
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, released on August 27, 2012, is a lighthearted anthem that celebrates the joy of thrift shopping and frugal fashion choices.
The song, part of the album “The Heist,” playfully rejects the culture of flaunting expensive brands, advocating for the charm of second-hand treasures. Macklemore’s witty lyrics narrate his thrift shopping adventure with a mere 20 dollars in his pocket, highlighting the thrill of finding bargains.
Lines like “I’m gonna pop some tags, only got 20 dollars in my pocket, I’m hunting, looking for a come up, this is freaking awesome” capture the essence of the song’s carefree and humorous spirit.
The catchy tune, coupled with its clever critique of materialism, propelled “Thrift Shop” to become a cultural phenomenon.
2. “I Don’t Go Shopping” by Patti LaBelle
“I Don’t Go Shopping” is a soulful ballad originally written by Peter Allen and David Lasley, first recorded by Peter Allen in 1980. Patti LaBelle later covered the song for her 1980 album, “Released,” with production by Allen Toussaint.
LaBelle’s rendition, released as the album’s second single, reached number 26 on the Hot Soul Singles chart in 1981. The song beautifully expresses a deep, meaningful connection that transcends materialistic pursuits.
With lyrics like “I don’t go shopping for love; you’re something money can’t buy,” LaBelle conveys the sentiment that true love is invaluable, contrasting with the superficiality of shopping.
3. “Too High for the Supermarket” by The Uninvited
“Too High for the Supermarket” by The Uninvited is a humorous song depicting the misadventures of someone attempting to shop for groceries while under the influence. The lyrics vividly capture the protagonist’s journey through the aisles, aiming to fulfill a simple lunch craving for a tuna fish sandwich.
However, their elevated state leads to amusing distractions, like marveling at produce varieties, contemplating tuna options, and debating bread choices.
Lines like “Sixteen different brands of tuna, Chicken of the Sea or Big Kahuna,” and the internal debate about bread choices (“Should I get white or wheat instead? Or… rye! Rye’s the best I’ve tasted”) humorously illustrate the struggle to focus on the task at hand.
Ultimately, the chorus emphasizes their comically impaired state: “Too high for the supermarket, Ain’t gonna shop like this no more,” echoing the amusing predicament of a shopper lost in a psychedelic shopping experience.
4. “Baby’s Gone Shopping” by Jimmy Buffett
“Baby’s Gone Shopping” by Jimmy Buffett captures a bittersweet tale of a relationship strained by distance and personal limitations. The song details the singer’s longing for his partner, who’s out exploring the city, shopping and navigating life without him. Lyrics like “Baby’s gone shoppin’, she’s lookin’ around” and “No more bar hoppin’, I don’t know but I been told, That city livin’ gets awfully cold” evoke the feeling of separation and a longing for closeness.
Amidst the catchy tune, the song reflects on the singer’s shortcomings, acknowledging a lack of ease and effective communication in the relationship. It highlights a desire for improvement and a willingness to change, recognizing the need for mutual effort.
The lyrics paint a picture of longing, regret, and a yearning for better connection amidst the backdrop of a partner’s shopping excursion.
5. “Shopping for Girls” by David Bowie
“Shopping for Girls” by David Bowie captures a haunting exploration of detachment and disconnection. In a desolate scene, the lyrics describe a person lying on a rat-infested mattress, discussing family and withdrawal. The observer notes “dull cold eyes” and a “mind unstable,” emphasizing a sense of instability. The song takes a surreal turn with a small black figure dancing to a Michael Jackson song, introducing an eerie contrast.
“Between the dull cold eyes and the mind unstable
No one over here reads the papers, pal
Between the dull cold eyes and the mind unstable
He’s a clean trick and he’s shopping for girls”
These lyrics convey a disturbing atmosphere, where the act of “shopping for girls” takes on a metaphorical meaning, suggesting a search for connection in a disconnected world. The observer’s contemplation of giving a name to a girl hints at a desire for humanity amidst the chaos.
6. “Lost in the Supermarket” by The Clash
“Lost in the Supermarket,” a song by the Clash from their album London Calling, delves into the disconnection and emptiness of modern consumerism. Written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, the track reflects on feeling lost amid the bustling aisles of a supermarket, searching for more than just products.
With poignant lines like “I’m all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily,” the song captures the struggle of seeking identity and purpose in a world driven by materialism. References to suburban life, special offers, and the quest for a distinct personality resonate deeply.
These lyrics vividly portray the sense of alienation in a society where shopping becomes a metaphor for the longing to find something real and meaningful.
7. “Store Bought Bones” by The Raconteurs
“Store Bought Bones” by The Raconteurs is a song that explores themes of searching, longing, and discovery. Set against a backdrop of poplar trees and sticks and stones, the lyrics depict a journey where the narrator is on their hands and knees, looking for “store bought bones.” The metaphorical language suggests a quest for something elusive, perhaps personal identity or understanding.
The mention of a “store bought mind” and tricks adds depth to the exploration, implying a desire for artificial or manufactured elements. The repeated refrain, “You can’t buy what you can’t find,” highlights the difficulty of obtaining certain intangible things.
8. “Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who
“Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who is a poignant song that narrates the struggles of a woman in the city, known as the “shopping bag lady.” The lyrics vividly describe the urban environment, with its city lights and pretty sights, contrasting with the woman’s lonely reality.
The shopping bags symbolize her transient existence, highlighting the disparity between the bustling city life and her isolation. Lines like “Oh shopping bag lady, asleep on the snow” and “Society has forgotten you, there’s nowhere left for you to go” depict her harsh living conditions. The singer expresses a heartfelt desire to help her, emphasizing the cold and lonely nights she endures.
9. “No Shopping feat. Drake” by French Montana
“No Shopping” by French Montana featuring Drake, dropped on July 16, 2016, is a hip hop track from the mixtape MC4. The song, produced by Murda Beatz and Cubeatz, quickly went Gold in the US.
The lyrics intertwine rap bravado with playful references to avoiding extravagant spending on romantic pursuits. French Montana declares, “All about the mula, word to the bird, I ain’t never take her fur shoppin’,” showcasing a commitment to financial focus over material gestures.
The artists weave tales of success, past experiences, and even a humorous disdain for lavish shopping trips, giving the song a distinctive flavor in the rap genre.
10. “Supermarket Blues” by Eugene McDaniels
“Supermarket Blues” by Eugene McDaniels recounts a comically frustrating trip to the grocery store. The singer describes buying a can of pineapple, only to discover it’s peas when they get home, leading to a confrontational episode with the cashier. The lyrics humorously detail the chaos that ensues, involving the supermarket manager, other customers, and even the police.
Lines like “I got the supermarket blues, and it’s really much more than I can ever use” capture the singer’s exasperation. The song cleverly uses the supermarket as a setting to explore broader themes, including identity and societal tensions.
McDaniels’ storytelling, infused with humor and satire, turns a simple shopping mishap into a commentary on human frustrations and misunderstandings.
11. “Rockin’ Shopping Centre” by Jonathan Richman
“Rockin’ Shopping Centre” by Jonathan Richman playfully captures the eclectic essence of a visit to a shopping center. Through witty observations and catchy rhythms, Richman muses about the unknown states, diverse architectures, and unfamiliar brands found within this commercial landscape.
The song lyrically navigates through the singer’s experiences, describing the myriad labels, traits, and colors encountered, showcasing a humorous take on the variety present in different regions.
With lines like “Different colors in the different states” and “Unknown brand and labels, unknown market chains,” the lyrics portray the singer’s bemusement at the assortment of elements within the mall.
12. “Shoplifters of the World Unite” by The Smiths
“Shoplifters of the World Unite” is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. It was written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. The lyrics caused a stir because they seemed to support shoplifting and included references to Karl Marx. The title is a play on the slogan “Workers of the world, unite!” and a nod to a 1966 song, “Lovers of the World Unite.”
In a 1987 interview, Morrissey explained that the song isn’t literally about stealing things but more about spiritual and cultural “shoplifting” — taking ideas and using them for your own benefit.
The lyrics talk about learning to love and assembling ways, with a recurring theme of weakness being a list of crimes. The chorus urges “Shoplifters of the world” to unite and take over.
There’s a mix of glam rock style, typical of the Smiths during that period, and a guitar solo from Marr. The song touches on themes like the media’s focus on war plans and the challenges of living in the real world.
Ultimately, “Shoplifters of the World Unite” encourages a kind of rebellious spirit, advocating for taking control and making a mark on the world.
13. “Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn
“Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn is a heartfelt country song that delves into the challenges of finding true love. The lyrics cleverly use the metaphor of shopping for dresses to depict the singer’s romantic journey.
With lines like “And I’m shopping for dresses with no one to wear them, One in each color and one in each style,” the song captures the loneliness and longing for a meaningful connection. The mention of a lady shopping for britches adds a humorous element to the narrative.
As the lyrics express the difficulty of finding the right partner, there’s an underlying hope that someday, the search will be over: “Maybe someday if I’m lucky I’ll find someone to wear them, And my shopping will be done for awhile.” The song beautifully blends emotion and humor in portraying the quest for love.
14. “Shopping A To Z” By Toni Basil
“Shopping A To Z” by Toni Basil is a lively and upbeat song that captures the joy of shopping.
With catchy rhythms and playful lyrics, Basil takes us on a musical journey through the aisles of a grocery store, listing items from A to Z. The song describes the shopping experience, from grabbing a silver buggy to boogieing down the aisle.
The lyrics playfully mention various items like “A (apple) B (banana) C (chili) D (dog food)” and continue with a rhythmic inventory that includes frozen food, produce, snacks, and more.
Basil’s enthusiasm shines through as she sings about satisfying munchies, trying samples, and even encountering some humorous mishaps like losing coupons.
15. “Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits
“Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits encapsulates the restless pursuit of fulfillment in a mundane existence. The song paints a portrait of dissatisfaction and longing for something more through the lens of shopping and materialism.
Lyrics like “I want to buy,” “I need something new,” and “Something trivial would do” echo the yearning for gratification through purchases. The protagonist, feeling trapped in a monotonous life, seeks solace and excitement in buying things, peering into others’ lives through windows, and fantasizing about an alternate reality.
These lyrics reflect the universal desire for meaning and satisfaction in a world where consumerism often masquerades as a remedy for emptiness.
16. “Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys
“Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys explores the monotony and yearning for excitement in life. The lyrics convey a sense of feeling trapped, bored, and disconnected from others.
The singer expresses a desire for consolation and satisfaction, turning to the act of shopping as a remedy for the emptiness. The song captures the allure of new experiences and the temptation found in the windows of life.
Lines like “Walking down the street looking in the windows” depict a yearning for something different and more fulfilling. The repetition of the need for something new and trivial underscores the search for meaning through material consumption.
17. “Window Shopper” by 50 Cent
“Window Shopper” by 50 Cent, released in 2005, is a track that boldly addresses envy and criticism from a distance. The lyrics portray 50 Cent as confident and successful, dismissing those who can only watch from afar, labeling them as “window shoppers.”
In the song, he encounters figures like Ja Rule, Jada, Joe, and Nas, accusing them of being observers unable to afford the lifestyles they desire. The catchy chorus emphasizes the satisfaction of being at the top rather than at the bottom.
With a blend of swagger and humor, 50 Cent delivers lines like “Ja, you’s a window shopper, in the jewelry store looking at shit you can’t buy,” illustrating a narrative of flaunting success and shutting down critics in the world of luxury and fame.
18. “Shop Around” by The Miracles
“Shop Around” by The Miracles, a hit in 1960, is a catchy tune delivering sage advice about relationships. The song, penned by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, revolves around a mother advising her son about love. It emphasizes the importance of exploring options before committing, much like shopping for the best deal.
Lyrics cleverly compare choosing a partner to selecting a bargain: “Try to get yourself a bargain, son / Don’t be sold on the very first one.” It highlights the abundance of choices in relationships—pretty girls being plentiful but finding one who offers genuine love being essential.
The song’s refrain, “You better shop around,” serves as a catchy reminder to be cautious and thoughtful before settling down.
19. “Nan You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen
“Nan You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen is a lively and humorous song that playfully captures the quirks of a grandmother who enjoys browsing but rarely buys. The lyrics describe her unique habits, from wearing thermals to being wary of kids in hoodies.
The term “window shopper” is used to depict her penchant for looking at items without making purchases. The song’s upbeat tone and catchy rhythm add to its charm, creating a delightful narrative about the amusing behaviors of this particular grandmother.
Lines like “Taking a look but you never buy” and “Get on the bus ’cause you still can’t drive” highlight the humorous observations about her shopping habits, making it a fun and entertaining track.
20. “Shopping Bags” by De La Soul
“Shopping Bags (She Got from You)” by De La Soul explores the theme of materialism and the dynamics of a relationship centered around extravagant spending. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman with high-end tastes, donning brands like Manolo, Prada, Louis, and Burberry.
The chorus emphasizes the accumulation of shopping bags, symbolizing her indulgent lifestyle: “Shopping bags, they weigh down her arms, Popping tags and collars her charm, All them things she got, she got from you.”
The verses delve into the narrator’s willingness to cater to her desires, despite a sense of unfulfillment and the realization that the relationship is more about material gain than genuine connection.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.
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Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.