At least four artists exist by this name on last.fm:

1) a British ba… Read Full Bio ↴At least four artists exist by this name on last.fm:

1) a British band
2) an American rapper
3) a Brazilian death metal group
4) a Mongolian rock band

1) Madness is a British pop and ska band from Camden Town, London, England that was formed in 1976. As of 2012, the group has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although that has varied slightly over the years. Known for their cheeky humour and musical eclecticism, the band members called a "dysfunctional family", the group was one of most prominent artists in the late-70s 2 Tone ska movement. As their career progressed, Madness moved closer toward conventional pop music and has become one of the most successful British bands of all time.

The guys achieved most of their success in the 80s, often picking up new wave fans who enjoyed the band's eclectic sound. Madness, in fact, spent exactly 214 weeks on the U.K. singles charts from 1980-89, thereby sharing the record for most weeks spent by a group in said charts with UB40. Examples of some of their most popular songs include 1979's "One Step Beyond", 1982's "Our House", and 1984's "Keep Moving".

Formation
The core of the band formed as "The North London Invaders" in 1976. This outfit included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals. They later recruited John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar. Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist "Dikron". This six-piece lineup lasted until part way through 1977, when Graham McPherson (better known as Suggs) took over the lead vocals after seeing the band perform in a friend's garden. Smyth, who was poor on bass guitar, was replaced by Gavin Rogers, an acquaintance of Barson. McPherson was kicked out of the band for too often choosing to watch football instead of rehearsing. As well, Thompson left the band after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.

By 1978, the band had allowed McPherson to return, after filling in temporarily for Hasler (who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed). Thompson returned after patching things up with Barson, and Daniel Woodgate (Woody) and Mark Bedford (Bedders) also joined the band, on drums and bass guitar respectively. After briefly changing their name to Morris and the Minors, the band renamed itself as Madness; paying homage to one of their favourite songs by ska/reggae artist Prince Buster. The band remained a sextet until late 1979, when Chas Smash rejoined and officially became the seventh member of Madness as a backing vocalist and trumpet player.

Early success
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts at #16. A performance of "The Prince" on popular UK music show Top of the Pops helped Madness gain public recognition. Madness then toured with fellow 2 Tone bands The Specials and The Selecter, before recording their debut album, One Step Beyond..., which was released by Stiff Records. The album included a re-recording of "The Prince" and the band's second and third singles: "One Step Beyond" and "My Girl". The title song was a cover of the B-side of the 1960s Prince Buster hit "Al Capone". One Step Beyond... stayed in the British charts for over a year, peaking at #2. After the release of "My Girl", the band felt that they had exhausted the material from One Step Beyond..., and did not want to release any more singles from the album. However, Dave Robinson, head of Stiff Records, disagreed. Eventually, a compromise was made, and the band decided to release an EP featuring one album track and three new tracks. The result was the Work Rest and Play EP, which was headlined by the song "Night Boat to Cairo", from the One Step Beyond album. The EP reached #6 in the UK singles chart.

The following year, the band's second album, Absolutely reached #2 in the UK album charts. Absolutely spawned some of the band's biggest hits, most notably "Baggy Trousers"; which peaked at #3 in the UK singles chart. "Embarrassment" reached #4 in the charts, and the instrumental song "Return of the Los Palmas 7" climbed to #7.

Change of direction
In 1981, the band's third studio album, 7 reached #5 in the UK album charts and contained three hit singles. In an article in 1979, Chris Foreman explained that the band's music would move with the times, and change styles as time goes on. This was shown to be the case, as unlike the two ska-filled, fast-paced albums that preceded it, 7 was somewhat of a change in direction. Suggs' vocal performance changed significantly, and his strong Cockney accent from the previous albums had been watered down. The album strayed from the ska-influenced sound of One Step Beyond... and Absolutely, and moved towards a more conventional and mature pop sound; a trend that continued with subsequent albums. Near the end of 1981, Madness released one of their most recognised songs; a remake of Labi Siffre's 1971 hit "It Must Be Love". The song climbed to #4 in the UK and entered the US charts at #33. In 1982, Madness released their only #1 hit to date, "House of Fun"; as well as their fourth studio album The Rise & Fall. The album contained their most internationally successful single to date, "Our House", which reached #5 in the UK music charts and # 7 in the US charts. In 1983, their single "Wings of a Dove" peaked at #2 in the UK charts. Their following album, Keep Moving, peaked at #6 in the UK album charts, and several singles from that album reached the top 20 in the UK music charts.

Decline and breakup
In October 1983, the band's founder, keyboardist and prominent songwriter Mike Barson decided to leave the band, partly because he had relocated to Amsterdam, Netherlands. He officially left the band in June 1984, following the release of "One Better Day". The six remaining members left Stiff Records and formed their own label, Zarjazz Records, which was sub-label of Virgin Records. In 1985, the label released the band's sixth album, Mad Not Mad. Barson's keyboard parts were filled by synthesisers, and in later years, frontman Suggs described the production as "polished turd". The album reached #16 in the UK charts, which was the band's lowest position on the album charts to date. Despite the poor chart showing, the album was listed as #55 in NME's All Time 100 Albums. The singles for the album fared even worse, with "Yesterday's Men" peaking at #18 in the UK charts. The subsequent singles, "Uncle Sam" and "Sweetest Girl", failed to make the top 20, which was a first for Madness singles.

The band then attempted to record a new album, and 11 demo tracks were recorded. However, musical differences arose between band members, and in September 1986, the band announced that they were to split. Barson rejoined the band for a farewell single, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", but did not appear in the music video. The band officially split following the release of the single, which reached a high of #18 in the UK. In 1988, four members of the band — Suggs, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman — created a new band, using the name The Madness. After one self-titled album and two singles that failed to make the the top 40, the band split.

Reunions and The Dangermen
In early 1992, "It Must Be Love" was re-released and reached #6 in the UK singles chart. Following that, the singles compilation Divine Madness was released and peaked at #1 in the album charts. Madness then announced plans for a reunion concert, Madstock!, which was held at Finsbury Park, London on August 8 and 9 of that year. The original lineup reunited, performing together for the first time since Mike Barson left the band in 1984. Over 75,000 fans attended the weekend festival, and during "One Step Beyond", the crowd danced so much they caused an earth tremor which measured over 4 on the richter scale. A subsequent live album was released, and the associated single, "The Harder They Come" (a cover of Jimmy Cliff's 1973 song) reached #44 in the UK.

The band continued to reunite for annual UK Christmas season tours and held three more Madstock! festivals; in 1994, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, Madness released their first studio album since 1986, entitled Wonderful. The album reached #17 in the UK album charts, and the lead single, "Lovestruck", gave the band their first new top 10 hit in the UK since 1983. Neither of the two subsequent singles from the album, "Johnny The Horse" and "Drip Fed Fred", entered the top 40 of the UK charts.

From October 28, 2002 to August 16, 2003, a musical based on Madness songs, Our House, ran at the Cambridge Theatre in west London. Madness played a role in the executive production of the show, and Suggs played a role in the production for a period of time, playing the central character's father. It won an Olivier Award for best new musical of 2003, and the performance was released on DVD on November 1, 2004. There was also a previous musical based on Madness songs, One Step Beyond!, written by Alan Gilbey. The musical had a brief run at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1993.

In 2004, the band played a series of low-key concerts as The Dangermen, performing covers of classic reggae and ska songs. A lot of the songs were those played by the band when they were first forming, and the band performed the songs as a celebration of their 25 year anniversary. This led to the release of the album The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 in August 2005. However, during the sessions which produced the album, the band's guitarist Chris Foreman announced his departure. Foreman left the band in mid 2005, citing "the petty, time consuming bollocks that goes on in the band" in a statement announcing his decision to leave. The band completed the album without him, and on release, it peaked at #11 in the UK album charts, which was the band's highest studio album chart position in 21 years. Although two singles were released, neither was a major success in the UK. The more successful of the two, "Shame & Scandal", reached #38. Despite the poor chart showing, the single reached #12 in France.

In late 2006, this six remaining members of Madness began working on their first original album in seven years. However, for Madness' 2006 Christmas season tour, Foreman rejoined the band. In March 2007, the single "Sorry" was released from the band's upcoming album, peaking in the UK charts at #23. The single included a version featuring UK hip hop artists Sway DaSafo and Baby Blue. Both artists were included on the music video which accompanied the hip-hop version of the song, but not on the original music video. Both music videos were also without Chris Foreman, despite the fact that he was a band member at the time of release.

The new Madness song "NW5 (I Would Give You Everything)" and a re-recorded version of "It Must Be Love" were featured in the German film Neues vom Wixxer. The two songs were released in Germany as a double A-Side, and both of them were turned into music videos. While promoting "Sorry", Sway DaSafo confirmed in an interview with NME that he will perform in the recording of Madness' updated version of their song "Baggy Trousers", entitled "Baggy Jeans". The updated song will be featured on Madness' upcoming studio album, and also released as a single. DaSafo predicted the song will be a "huge smash gaurenteed", although the date of release is not yet known.

Lyrical themes
Although Madness were seen by many as somewhat of a humorous band with catchy, bouncy songs, they sometimes tackled, what were at the time, controversial issues in their lyrics. "Embarrassment" (from the "Absolutely" album) was written by Lee Thompson, and reflected the unfolding turmoil following the news that his teenage sister had become pregnant and was carrying a black man's child. The band discussed animal testing in the song "Tomorrow's Dream". The band criticized the National Health Service in "Mrs. Hutchinson"; which told the story of a woman who, after several misdiagnoses and mistreatment, became terminally ill. The story was based on the experiences of Mike Barson's mother. Madness' final single prior to disbanding, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", commented on apartheid in South Africa.

Skinhead controversy
Early in their career, Madness were linked to skinheads; members of a British working class subculture that the media often stereotyped as racist (although the clear majority of skinheads were anti-racist). Not only were Madness, along with other 2 Tone bands, popular with skinheads, but it was said that the band members themselves were associated with the subculture. The band's relationship with the skinheads varied at times. Mike Barson was particularly displeased with the band's skinhead following, often finding it disappointing that so many were present at performances. Prior to becoming a full member of the band, Chas Smash had been involved in fights with skinheads at performances. In one particular incident on November 18, 1979, Madness were supported by "Red Beans and Rice", who featured a black lead singer, and the band were prevented from completing the performance due to the racist chants from certain members of the skinhead filled audience. Suggs later came on stage to show his displeasure at their behaviour, but this didn't stop much of the audience from Nazi saluting at the end of the show.

In a 1979 NME interview, Madness member Chas Smash was quoted as saying "We don't care if people are in the NF as long as they're having a good time." This added to speculation that Madness was a racist band supporting the fascist group National Front, although the band members denied those allegations. Numerous fans felt upset that Chas Smash's views were mispresented by the media, with yellow journalists just looking for a story in their eyes. Smash responded to the NME article in the song "Don't Quote Me On That". Eventually, band members denied their skinhead roots, which disappointed much of their skinhead fan base. The issue faded as the years went by and the far-right skinhead groups failed completely in winning converts, their particular fringe shrinking massively while in the meantime Madness' international popularity grew.

Awards
The band's first notable musical award came in 1983 when they won an "Ivor Novello Award" for Best Song for the international hit "Our House". They received another "Ivor Novello Award" 17 years later for an "Outstanding Song Collection". In 2005, they were awarded the Mojo Magazine "Hall Of Fame" award, notably for being 'an artist's artist'. As of 2007, a campaign is taking place by fans of Madness for the band to be awarded a Brit award. Many fans and critics feel they have been overlooked over their past 30 years in the music industry.

Website
madness.co.uk

2) Madness is also the name of a hip-hop artist from Florida in the U.S. He has competed in many Grindtime Rap Battle events, and the rapper work is featured on the release 'Fresh Coast Perishables Volume One' as well as in his own underground albums.

3) Madness is a Brazilian death metal band.

4) Madness is a Mongolian rock band.

overture
Madness Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This is the story of the Liberty Of Norton Folgate

Old Jack Norris, the musical shrimp and the cadging ramble.....

A little bit of this, would you like a bit of that

But in weather like this, you should wear a coat, a nice warm hat
A needle and thread the hand stitches of time

Battling Levinsky versus Jackie Burk
Bobbing and weaving, an invisible line

So step for step and both light on our feet
We’ll travel many along dim silent street

Would you like a bit of this, or a little bit of that? (Misses)
A little bit of what you like does you no harm, you know that
The perpetual steady echo of the passing beat
A continual dark river of people
In it's transience and in it’s permanence
But, when the streetlamp fills the gutter with gold
So many priceless items bought and sold

So step for step and both light on our feet
We’ll travel many along dim silent street (together)

Once round Arnold Circus, and up through Petticoat Lane
Past the well of shadows, and once back round again
Arm in arm, with an abstracted air
To where the people stare
Out of the upstairs windows
Because we are living like kings
And these days will last forever

Cos sailors from Africa, China and the archipelago of Malay
Jump ship ragged and penniless into Shadwells Tiger Bay
The Welsh and Irish wagtails, mothers of midnight
The music hall carousel enspilling out into bonfire light
Sending half crazed shadows, giants dancing up the brick wall
Of Mr Trumans beer factory, waving, bottles ten feet tall

Whether one calls it Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets
Or Banglatown. We’re all dancing in the moonlight, we’re all
On borrowed ground.

Oh, I’m just walking down to, I’m just floating down through
Won’t you come with me, to the Liberty of Norton Folgate
But wait!
What’s that?
Dan Leno
And the Limehouse golem

Purposefully walking nowhere, oh I’m happy just floating about
(Have a banana)
On a Sunday afternoon, the stallholders all call and shout
To no-one in particular
Avoiding people you know, you're just basking in you're own company
The technicolour world’s going by, but you're the lead in your own movie

Cos in the Liberty of Norton Folgate
Walking wild and free, in your second hand coat,
Happy just to float
In this little taste of liberty
A part of everything you see

They’re coming left and right
Trying to flog you stuff you don’t need or want
And a smiling chap takes your hand
And drags you in his Uncles restaurant
(ee-yar, ee-yar, ee-yar)

There’s a Chinese man trying hard to flog you moody DVDs
You know? You’ve seen the film, it’s black and white, it’s got no sound
And a man’s head pops up and down
Right across your widescreen TV
(Only a fiver)
('Ow much?)
(Alright, two for eight quid)
(Ee-yar, ee-yar, look, I'm givin' it away)
(Givin' it away!)

Cos in the Liberty of Norton Folgate
Walking wild and free, in your second hand coat,
Happy just to float
In this little piece of liberty
You’re a part of everything you see

There’s the sturdy old fellows, pickpockets, dandy’s, extortioners
And night wanderers, the feeble, the ghastly, upon whom death
Had placed a very sure hand,
Some in shreds and patches,
Reeling inarticulate full of noisy and inordinate vivacity
That jars discordantly upon the ear
And gives an aching sensation to both pair of eyeballs
(Noisy and inordinate vivacity)

Ohhhh ahhhhhh ahhhhh etc etc

In the beginning was a fear of the immigrant
In the beginning was a fear of the immigrant
He's made his way down to the dark riverside

In the beginning was a fear of the immigrant
In the beginning was a fear of the immigrant
He’s made his home there down by the dark riverside

Ohhhh ahhhhhh ahhhhh etc etc

He made his home there down by the riverside
They made their homes there down by the riverside
The city sprang up from the dark river Thames

They made their home there down by the riverside
They made their homes there down by the riverside
The city sprang up from the dark mud of the Thames
I’ll say it again

(Ha ha ha, that's right)

'Cos in the Liberty of Norton Folgate
Walking wild and free
And in your second hand coat
Happy just to float
In this little taste of liberty
Cos you’re a part of everything you see
Yes, you’re a part of everything you see

With a little bit of this
And a little bit of that
A little bit of what you like does you no harm
And you know that

Ohhhh ahhhhhh ahhhhh etc etc (repeat to end)

This is the story of the Liberty Of Norton Folgate

Old Jack Norris, the musical shrimp and the cadging ramble...

Overall Meaning

The song "Overture" by the British ska band Madness is a nostalgic ode to the Liberty of Norton Folgate, a neighborhood in London. The first part of the song is a description of the sights and sounds of the area, with the singer observing the diverse mix of people and cultures that make up the community. The lyrics speak of characters such as Old Jack Norris, the musical shrimp, and the cadging ramble, painting a picture of a vibrant and lively place. The chorus repeats the phrase "walking wild and free, in your second-hand coat, happy just to float," emphasizing the sense of freedom and independence that the singer feels in the Liberty of Norton Folgate.

Line by Line Meaning

Old Jack Norris, the musical shrimp and the cadging ramble.....
In this place, there are eccentric characters like Old Jack Norris who plays music and the cadging ramble who wanders aimlessly

A little bit of this, would you like a bit of that
There are various choices and experiences available, would you like to try something new

But in weather like this, you should wear a coat, a nice warm hat
In uncertain times, it is important to protect yourself and be prepared

A needle and thread the hand stitches of time
The passing of time and the effort it takes to stitch and mend

Battling Levinsky versus Jackie Burk
A reference to a famous boxing match, symbolizing the struggles and challenges in life

Bobbing and weaving, an invisible line
Navigating through life's obstacles and challenges, sometimes without even realizing it

So step for step and both light on our feet
Moving forward together, agile and ready for what comes next

We’ll travel many along dim silent street
We will journey through the unknown and quiet streets of life together

Would you like a bit of this, or a little bit of that? (Misses)
There are choices to be made, but sometimes we miss out on opportunities

A little bit of what you like does you no harm, you know that
Indulging in the things you enjoy can bring happiness without causing harm

The perpetual steady echo of the passing beat
The constant rhythm and flow of life's journey

A continual dark river of people
The never-ending stream of individuals and their stories

In its transience and in its permanence
In the temporary nature of human existence and the lasting impact we leave behind

But when the streetlamp fills the gutter with gold
When moments of beauty and treasure are discovered in unexpected places

So many priceless items bought and sold
People trade and exchange valuable things, both tangible and intangible

Once round Arnold Circus, and up through Petticoat Lane
Taking a circular route through familiar places and landmarks

Past the well of shadows, and once back round again
Passing by places with hidden depths and returning to where we started

Arm in arm, with an abstracted air
Walking together with a sense of detachment or distraction

To where the people stare
Arriving at a location where others observe and take notice

Out of the upstairs windows
Observing from a higher vantage point

Because we are living like kings
Feeling a sense of abundance and luxury in our current circumstances

And these days will last forever
Believing that our joyful times will never end

Cos sailors from Africa, China and the archipelago of Malay
Referring to the diverse origins of sailors who arrive at Tiger Bay

Jump ship ragged and penniless into Shadwells Tiger Bay
They disembark from their ships in a state of disarray and poverty

The Welsh and Irish wagtails, mothers of midnight
Welsh and Irish women who work late into the night as suppliers or traders

The music hall carousel enspilling out into bonfire light
The lively atmosphere of a music hall spilling out onto the streets, illuminated by bonfires

Sending half crazed shadows, giants dancing up the brick wall
Creating surreal and whimsical shadows that seem larger than life

Of Mr Trumans beer factory, waving, bottles ten feet tall
The brewery's chimneys resemble giant beer bottles, playfully waving in the distance

Whether one calls it Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets
Referring to various names for the neighborhood, acknowledging its rich history

Or Banglatown. We’re all dancing in the moonlight
No matter what it's called, the community comes together to celebrate and enjoy life

On borrowed ground
Recognizing that our existence and experiences are temporary and borrowed

Oh, I’m just walking down to, I’m just floating down through
Casually strolling or moving effortlessly through the Liberty of Norton Folgate

Won’t you come with me, to the Liberty of Norton Folgate
Inviting someone to join in the experience of this vibrant place

But wait!
A sudden interruption or realization

What’s that?
Curiosity is piqued, wanting to know more

Dan Leno
Referring to a famous music hall entertainer

And the Limehouse golem
A reference to a legendary creature or mystery

Purposefully walking nowhere, oh I’m happy just floating about
Moving with intention but without a specific destination, content with aimlessly wandering

(Have a banana)
A playful offer of a banana, symbolizing a small pleasure or indulgence

On a Sunday afternoon, the stallholders all call and shout
The lively atmosphere of market stalls and vendors interacting with visitors

To no-one in particular
Addressing the crowd collectively rather than specific individuals

Avoiding people you know, you're just basking in your own company
Seeking solitude and enjoying your own presence without the need for social connections

The technicolor world's going by, but you're the lead in your own movie
While observing the vibrant and colorful world around you, you realize that you are the singer in your own story

They’re coming left and right
People approach from all directions

Trying to flog you stuff you don’t need or want
Attempting to sell unnecessary or unwanted items

And a smiling chap takes your hand
A friendly person takes your hand, possibly guiding or leading you

And drags you in his Uncles restaurant
Being persuaded or enticed into a relative's restaurant

(ee-yar, ee-yar, ee-yar)
An exclamation or expression of enthusiasm

There’s a Chinese man trying hard to flog you moody DVDs
A Chinese man selling pirated DVDs with low quality

You know? You’ve seen the film, it’s black and white, it’s got no sound
The DVD being sold is a poor version of a film, lacking color and audio

And a man’s head pops up and down
A figurine or ornament with a moving head catches your attention

Right across your widescreen TV
Displaying something unexpected on your TV screen

(Only a fiver)
Emphasizing that the item being sold is inexpensive

('Ow much?)
Questioning the price of the item

(Alright, two for eight quid)
Negotiating the price and eventually agreeing

(Ee-yar, ee-yar, look, I'm givin' it away)
Using energetic and exaggerated language to emphasize a great deal

(Givin' it away!)
Emphasizing that the item is being sold at a very low price

There’s the sturdy old fellows, pickpockets, dandy’s, extortioners
Describing the various characters and personalities found in this vibrant place

And night wanderers, the feeble, the ghastly, upon whom death
Referencing people who wander the streets at night, including those who appear weak or ghostly and seems to be closer to death

Had placed a very sure hand
Death has a firm grip on their lives

Some in shreds and patches
Some appear in torn and worn clothing

Reeling inarticulate full of noisy and inordinate vivacity
Expressive and lively individuals who are loud and exuberant, but lack clear articulation

That jars discordantly upon the ear
Their presence creates an unpleasant and jarring sensation

And gives an aching sensation to both pair of eyeballs
Their behavior or appearance causes discomfort or unease to both the eyes

(Noisy and inordinate vivacity)
Describing the overwhelming energy and enthusiasm exhibited by these characters

He's made his way down to the dark riverside
Referring to an immigrant who has come to the river's edge

He’s made his home there down by the dark riverside
The immigrant has settled and established a life near the river

They made their homes there down by the riverside
Various individuals have made their homes near the river

The city sprang up from the dark river Thames
The bustling city emerged from the depths of the river Thames

They made their home there down by the riverside
Settling and building lives near the river

I’ll say it again
Reiterating a point or statement

('Ha ha ha, that's right)
Expressing amusement and confirming the accuracy of the statement

'Cos in the Liberty of Norton Folgate
Highlighting the unique and liberated atmosphere of Norton Folgate

Walking wild and free, in your second hand coat,
Moving freely and independently, wearing clothes that have been previously owned

Happy just to float
Content with aimlessly drifting or wandering

In this little taste of liberty
Experiencing a small but meaningful taste of freedom

A part of everything you see
Feeling connected to and involved in everything that surrounds you

They’re coming left and right
People are approaching from all directions