<P> `` Money for Nothing '' is a single by British rock band Dire Straits , taken from their 1985 studio album Brothers in Arms . The song 's lyrics , considered controversial at the time of the song 's release , are written from the point of view of a working - class man watching music videos and commenting on what he sees . The song features a guest appearance by Sting singing background vocals , providing both the signature falsetto introduction and backing chorus of , `` I want my MTV . '' The groundbreaking video was the first to be aired on MTV Europe when the network launched on 1 August 1987 . </P>
<P> `` Money for Nothing '' is a single by British rock band Dire Straits , taken from their 1985 studio album Brothers in Arms . The song 's lyrics , considered controversial at the time of the song 's release , are written from the point of view of a working - class man watching music videos and commenting on what he sees . The song features a guest appearance by Sting singing background vocals , providing both the signature falsetto introduction and backing chorus of , `` I want my MTV . '' The groundbreaking video was the first to be aired on MTV Europe when the network launched on 1 August 1987 . </P>
who sang money for nothing and your chicks for free
who sang money for nothing and your chicks for free
British rock band Dire Straits
British rock band Dire Straits