"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 are written from the point of view of two working - class men watching music videos and commenting on what they see. 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.
who sang backing vocals on money for nothing
Sting