Lyrics for Our House by Madness
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“Our House” offers a look back to childhood that’s both nostalgic and bittersweet all at once. But there are also sly references in the lyrics about how childhood goes by so quickly and how we’re too young to cherish it as it does. Geffen put out a slightly altered version of The Rise & Fall in America, with “Our House” quickly dispatched to U.S. radio and MTV. Madness delivered as many hits as any British band of their era, at least within the United Kingdom. Surprisingly, only one of those smashes broke big in the United States.
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Add in the deadpan-yet-charming vocals from Madness lead singer Suggs (Graham McPherson), and you had a pretty perfect single. Beyond its commercial success, “Our House” also became an iconic symbol of working-class culture. The song’s portrayal of everyday life in a council house struck a chord with many people who grew up in similar circumstances.
More than Ska
And these kids are presented as the average types, either being engaged in school or play. The second verse brings attention to the lively nature of the house, where there is always something happening and everything is usually quite loud. The mother is portrayed as being house-proud, always keeping the house in order and never allowing any mess. The chorus reiterates the message of the house being in the middle of their street, possibly hinting at the sense of belonging and stability it provides.
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The guys who wrote "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" had never been to a baseball game but knew it was a good song topic. Yet he’s writing this as an adult who knows that this is a scene set in a somewhat distant past, one that can’t be recaptured. And it remains a track that will leave you smiling at your own childhood memories, even as you wonder why you didn’t hold on tighter to the events as they occurred. How did Madness conceive of the song using somewhat primitive recording techniques?
So conclusively, we can put forth a theory akin to the singer having in fact enjoyed his childhood. And what he relished the most was the family he was a part of who were embodied, so to speak, by the goings-on in their house. “Our House” has continued to be a beloved classic since its release nearly 40 years ago. The song has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. In Gary Numan's "Cars," the message is that cars lead to a mechanical society devoid of personal interaction. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers.
It might have been contained to that, if not for A&R executive John Kalodner of Geffen Records. That could be why they didn’t cross over to the U.S. early on in their career, as ska didn’t have nearly the same foothold stateside. But the band always proved much more versatile than that, peppering their albums with all kinds of genre moves.
Facts about “Our House”
The bridge takes us back in time to when everything was true and the family used to have a great time, simply wasting the day away. It reminds us of the carefree nature of childhood and the strong bond shared by the family members. The pre-chorus and chorus are repeated, driving home the central message of the song. In 1982, Madness released their fourth album, entitled The Rise & Fall. “Our House” was included on that record, and it added to the ever-growing hit parade for the band in England.
Our House: The Original Songs
Smyth explained that the song was initially intended to be a collaborative effort, with each band member writing about their own family. However, Smyth ended up writing the song on his own, capturing the essence of family life in a working-class neighborhood. The third verse highlights the daily routine of the family, with the father getting up late for work and the mother ironing his shirt. The mother then sends the kids off to school and gives them a small kiss goodbye. It emphasizes the mother’s role and how important she is to the family dynamic. But perhaps the most significant legacy of “Our House” is its impact on popular culture.
This is where they lived and as suchthe source of many of the singer’s memories. This residence was located‘in the middle of the street’, which may be just as much of a symbolic locationas a literal one. Thusthere was always some sort of a commotion going on, not in a bad sense but interms of the place always being lively and ‘crowded’. As far as the parents are concerned, it is pretty-clear that this is a working-class family. And the mother is preoccupied, indeed even stressed out, with having to care for him, the home and the children.
In the U.K., they were massive—this is one of 20 straight singles they landed in the Top 20 between 1979 and 1985. The lyrics are apparently derived from his recollections as a child, and the addressee reads as if it may be one of his siblings or someone he grew up with. Suddenly, “Our House” transformed into a suave, effervescent pop song, complete with strings and horns.
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“Our House” by Madness is a nostalgic and endearing tribute to family life. Its relatable lyrics and infectious melody have made it a beloved song for generations. Through its depiction of everyday moments and the warmth of family, it reminds us of the joys and challenges of growing up in a close-knit community. This song holds a special place in my heart, as it brings back fond memories of family celebrations and gatherings.
The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs. For this song, Madness collaborated with string arranger David Bedford for the first time. According to lead singer Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Bedford understood exactly what the band needed and added a unique touch to their sound, elevating their records. This collaboration gave the song its memorable and timeless quality. “Our House” was written by Cathal “Chas Smash” Smyth, Madness’ singer and multi-instrumentalist, along with guitarist Chris Foreman.
The chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song, describing the house as being in the middle of their street, symbolizing the heart of their family. “Our House” by Madness is a classic ’80s pop song that tells a story about family life in working-class London. As a fan of this song, I have always been captivated by its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Released in 1982, it became Madness’ only Top 10 hit in the U.S., while in the UK, the band had a string of successful singles throughout the ’80s. In the world of music, there are songs that transcend time and trends. One of those timeless classics is “Our House” by the British ska band, Madness.
The song has inspired countless musicians and artists, who have drawn inspiration from its lyrics and melody. It has become a symbol of working-class resilience and a celebration of the power of home and family. MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.
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