Madness
Prince Buster's All Stars Lyrics


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Madness, madness, they call it madness
Madness, madness, they call it madness
It is plain to see, that is what they mean to me
Madness, madness I call it gladness

Madness, madness, they call it madness
Madness, madness, they call it madness
I?m about to explain, that someone is using his brain
Madness, madness, they call it gladness

Propaganda ministers
Propaganda ministers
I've got a aim in view
I'm gonna walk all over you

'Cause madness, madness I call it gladness
But if this is madness
Man, I know I'm filled with gladness
It's gonna be rougher, it's gonna be tougher
And I won't be the one who's gonna suffer




Oh, no, I won't be the one who's gonna suffer
You are gonna be the one?

Overall Meaning

The song "Madness" by Prince Buster's All Stars is a classic ska track that explores the idea that what is perceived as madness by society may actually be a source of happiness and enjoyment for the individual experiencing it. The repeated lyrics, "Madness, madness, they call it madness," reinforce this concept and suggest that the label of madness is subjective and not necessarily negative.


The first verse captures the essence of the song, as Prince Buster sings, "It is plain to see, that is what they mean to me. Madness, madness I call it gladness." Here, he acknowledges that society may label his behavior as madness, but he sees it as a source of joy and positivity. The second verse introduces the idea that propaganda ministers (likely referring to those in power who shape societal norms and values) are somehow threatened by this concept of madness as gladness. Prince Buster sings that he has an "aim in view" and plans to "walk all over" these individuals.


The chorus repeats, and Prince Buster emphasizes that he will not be the one to suffer, suggesting that those who try to suppress his individuality will bear the consequences. Throughout the song, the upbeat ska rhythms and catchy melody only reinforce the idea that madness, in this case, is a source of celebration and not something to be feared or medicated away.


Line by Line Meaning

Madness, madness, they call it madness
The world views certain things as madness.


Madness, madness, they call it madness
The world views certain things as madness.


It is plain to see, that is what they mean to me
It is obvious to the singer that the world perceives certain things as madness.


Madness, madness I call it gladness
To the artist, what the world calls madness brings joy and happiness.


Madness, madness, they call it madness
The world views certain things as madness.


Madness, madness, they call it madness
The world views certain things as madness.


I'm about to explain, that someone is using his brain
The singer is going to explain that those who are called mad are actually intelligent and using their brain in a unique way.


Madness, madness, they call it gladness
To the artist, what is perceived as madness brings joy and happiness.


Propaganda ministers
The artist is referring to those who manipulate the masses with false or misleading information.


Propaganda ministers
The artist is referring to those who manipulate the masses with false or misleading information.


I've got a aim in view
The singer has a targeted goal or objective.


I'm gonna walk all over you
The artist is determined to succeed and overcome any obstacles, even those who try to stop them.


'Cause madness, madness I call it gladness
To the singer, what others view as madness brings joy and happiness.


But if this is madness
The singer is acknowledging that what they view as happiness might be seen as madness to others.


Man, I know I'm filled with gladness
The singer is certain that their perception of happiness is true for them.


It's gonna be rougher, it's gonna be tougher
The artist is anticipating challenges and difficulties ahead.


And I won't be the one who's gonna suffer
The artist is confident that they will overcome any hardships and will not be the one to experience negative consequences.


Oh, no, I won't be the one who's gonna suffer
The singer is emphasizing their confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles and avoid suffering.


You are gonna be the one?
The singer is questioning whether those who view them as mad will be the ones to suffer instead.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL JAMES DENTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

aries star

I am 37 years old and I listen to Prince buster everyday. A music legend that will be in people's hearts for generations to come. 10 commandments by prince buster is a music master piece!!

shur

I just learnt that the group Madness from the UK of the 80's took their name from this song and they also have a song by Prince buser called "One step beyond" which I thought was originaly by madnees but it's a cover.

Pedro Monforte

Prince Buster not only was a great musician,King of Ska ,but he has also inspired all the 2 tone movement bands in UK and because of that he should be recognized as one of the great musicians ever. Thanks for everything that you have given to this world.RIP Godfather of Ska.

Paul Burke

His stuff is so much fun to hear. The groove, his sense of humor and the life in these songs is...incredible.

arch stanton

RIP Prince!! Big up to a pioneer in his field!! Man I love ska! God bless you brother you will be missed!!

gintoki

he is a muslim you konw ?

ELVAR MASSON

Was

Deez Nuts

@gintoki and?

DJ Skellington

RIP Prince Buster. Without you, so many bands might not have been born. We owe you so much.

keith saunders

Rest in Peace the Prince of Ska, the world has lost a true legend of Reggae music.

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