Victoria Gardens
Madness Lyrics
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You're trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir
You're looking and listening and hoping that things will change for better
Don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
I just left Victoria Gardens
And walked through Cardboard City land
A burnt out star was asking
I walked on in no hurry (hurry, hurry, hurry)
And wondered where did we go wrong
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
Don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
I walked on in no hurry (hurry, hurry, hurry)
And wondered where did we go wrong
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
(Only time can tell) don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
It's a bloody fine situation
That we find ourselves in
He said something I couldn't mention here
And we laughed with him again
I walked on in no hurry (hurry hurry hurry)
And wondered where did we go wrong
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
And trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir
She said it's for the good of us all (of us all, of us all)
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
Don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
I'm not so sure (sure, sure, sure)
And now it is early evening
I look across grey Leicester Square
A large and silent crowd were walking
Said they had every right to be there
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
(Said they had every right to be there)
And trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir
(Said they had every right to the square)
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
(You get what you don't want) [righ to be there]
Don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
(You want what you don't get) [right to be there]
Looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better
(You have what you don't need) [right to the square]
And trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir
(You need what you don't have) [right to be there]
The song Victoria Gardens by Madness is a reflection on society and the desire for change. The singer is looking for signs of hope while wandering through Cardboard City, a rough area of town. He encounters a burnt-out star who asks to shake his hand, prompting thoughts on where society has gone wrong. He is introspective, questioning both his own teachings and the motivations of those around him.
The singer comments on the situation that society finds itself in and is unsure if positive change can occur. He observes a large crowd walking through Leicester Square, asserting their right to be there. The repeated phrases "looking, listening, hoping that things are changing for the better" and "trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir" emphasize the singer's sense of uncertainty and wavering hope.
Line by Line Meaning
You're looking and listening and hoping that things are changing for the better
You are paying close attention and hoping that the world is improving.
You're trying to see if what you're teaching is the truth, sir
You are attempting to verify that your teachings are accurate.
Don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
I don't wish to moan or complain to you, my friend.
I just left Victoria Gardens
I have recently departed from Victoria Gardens.
And walked through Cardboard City land
I traversed Cardboard City on foot.
A burnt out star was asking
A declining celebrity inquired.
How would I like to shake his hand
He questioned if I wanted to shake his hand.
And wondered where did we go wrong
I ruminated on our errors and missteps.
(Only time can tell) don't wanna preach or teach the blues to you now brother
I don't want to go into detail about my grievances right now, only time can reveal the truth.
It's a bloody fine situation That we find ourselves in
We are in a terrible predicament.
He said something I couldn't mention here
He spoke something inappropriate.
And we laughed with him again
We shared a laugh with him a second time.
She said it's for the good of us all (of us all, of us all)
According to her, it is for everyone's benefit.
I'm not so sure (sure, sure, sure)
I am not entirely convinced.
And now it is early evening
It is evening.
I look across grey Leicester Square
I observe the grey area of Leicester Square.
Said they had every right to be there
They stated that they were rightfully present.
(Said they had every right to be there)
They claimed it was their right to be there.
(Said they had every right to the square)
They insisted that they had a right to the square.
(You get what you don't want) [righ to be there]
You will receive something you don't desire, the right to be there.
(You want what you don't get) [right to be there]
You desire something you cannot have, the right to be there.
(You have what you don't need) [right to the square]
You possess something you don't require, the right to the square.
(You need what you don't have) [right to be there]
You require something you lack, the right to be there.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, MICHAEL BARSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON, GRAHAM MCPHERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
7ourhouse
My favourite track from a very underrated album. Been a madness fan for over 40 years and still class them as the best band ever 😎😎😎😎
Ricki W
This is my favourite album of all time. I shared a bedroom with a brother who was a Madness fan, all four walls of our bedroom and the ceiling were covered in their posters. Fortunately, I liked them.
John LaStrada
The reason for the vocal richness on this track which generally isn't on Madness songs to this degree is because the chorus line is sung by the distinctive voices of Dave Wakeling and General Public. Madness is a great band -- but the first time I heard this song I knew they injected lots of new energy into it. One of their very best. The other earlier favorite is "One Step Beyond."
Elisabeth DuPont
John LaStrada Dave’s got the best voice! So unique and recognizable
Ian Skelly
Interesting fact I did not know the beat were involved .
Phil Newton-England
God I love this album. Madness's later albums were just so much more mature. Still giving me goosebumps in 2022.
Matt Alford
Awesome track! One of their best.
David Murcutt
Brilliant tune. I first heard it when they played on The Tube in the early 80s. That's a set worth watching, they were on very fine form indeed for that.
VISIONVAULT WORLDWIDE
Love this song.
Nigel Jones
great tune from one of the greats