The band's only appearance on the UK Singles Charts was "I'm the Urban Spaceman", which reached #5 in October 1968. The single was produced by Paul McCartney under the pseudonym "Apollo C. Vermouth". The band disbanded in 1970. The band reunited briefly in 1972 and again in 1988, before reuniting permanently in 2002.
After the initial split, Innes provided songs for "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and the Monty Python troupe's subsequent films, and is often considered to be an "unofficial member" of the troupe. Stanshall died in a house fire in 1995.
The band's six albums are: "Gorilla" (1967), "The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse" (1968, released as "Urban Spaceman" in the US), "Tadpoles" (1969), "Keynsham" (1969), "Let's Make Up and Be Friendly" (1972) and "Pour l'Amour des Chiens" (2007).
Busted
The Bonzo Dog Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm fed up to the teeth
I'm very revolutionary
I haven't washed in weeks
You've seen me dancing topless
And kipping on the beach
I'm so bloody normal
Yet I'm one of nature's freaks
I think it would do more good to try
And understand the other guy
In the soft, grey squeeze
As they mind the doors
Like a sacrifice for the minotaur
All together in the Blood Rush Hour!
C'mon fish-face, you got the power!
Then I went and got busted (yay)
They say I'm maladjusted (he's a fool)
I never can be trusted
By anybody anymore, yay yay yay
I got busted (yay)
My own mother was disgusted (she's a fool)
I got busted
(By the Law)
"'ello, 'ello, what's all this here?
I'll trim your wellingtons for you my dear."
I proceeded to plod at a porcupine pace
When I spotted the accused and decided to give chase
He blotted his copy book straight away
'Cause as soon as he saw me, whoops, 'e was away
Running like a rabbit, or a frisky poodle
Blowing his trousers like a bugle
Then I went and got busted (yay)
They say I'm maladjusted (he's a fag)
I never can be trusted
By anybody anymore, yay yay yay
I got busted (yay)
My own mother was disgusted (she's a fag)
I got busted
(By the Law, by the Law, by the Law)
Moo...moo...moo...
The Bonzo Dog Band's song "Busted" is a humorous, satirical take on society's attitudes towards non-conformity and rebellion. The first verse describes the singer as dirty, hungry, and revolutionary, yet also "bloody normal." This juxtaposition highlights the societal expectation of conformity, and the idea that anyone who deviates from this norm is seen as a "freak." The second verse features a call for understanding and empathy for those who are different, urging listeners to see others as human beings rather than as sacrifices to a monster (the Minotaur). The final verses describe the singer getting caught by the law, and the reactions of others towards his non-conformity.
The theme of societal non-acceptance of those who deviate from the norm is a recurring one in The Bonzo Dog Band's music. In "Busted," this idea is presented in a comical and exaggerated way, highlighting the absurdity of society's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm filthy, I'm hungry
I'm not in a good state; I'm starving and unclean
I'm fed up to the teeth
I'm completely over this situation
I'm very revolutionary
I hold strong beliefs and stand up for change
I haven't washed in weeks
I haven't bathed myself for a long time
You've seen me dancing topless
You've witnessed my carefree and relaxed behavior
And kipping on the beach
I sleep outdoors and enjoy nature
I'm so bloody normal
I'm just an average person
Yet I'm one of nature's freaks
But I'm different and unique, just like everyone else
I think it would do more good to try
I believe we should attempt
And understand the other guy
To empathize and comprehend the feelings of others
In the soft, grey squeeze
In the confines of everyday life and society
As they mind the doors
As people go about their daily routine
Like a sacrifice for the minotaur
Like a sacrifice to the demands of life
All together in the Blood Rush Hour!
We're all in this together during this hectic time!
C'mon fish-face, you got the power!
Let's go, you have the strength to conquer!
Then I went and got busted (yay)
I was arrested for my actions (as sarcastic praise)
They say I'm maladjusted (he's a fool)
They believe I have problems fitting in (using a derogatory term)
I never can be trusted
No one has faith in me anymore
By anybody anymore, yay yay yay
Everyone is turning against me (also sarcastic praise)
My own mother was disgusted (she's a fool)
Even my own mom disapproves of me (with insult)
By the Law
I was arrested by the authorities
'ello, 'ello, what's all this here?
A common line from British policeman humorously used to announce the arrest
I'll trim your wellingtons for you my dear.
I'm willing to do anything for you sarcastically, an arrest in the rain would require copious amounts of polish on their boots.
I proceeded to plod at a porcupine pace
I walked slowly like a sluggish, awkward animal
When I spotted the accused and decided to give chase
When I saw the suspect, I started pursuing them
He blotted his copy book straight away
The suspect made himself look bad in front of everyone (a copy book is what English students write papers in)
'Cause as soon as he saw me, whoops, 'e was away
Because he immediately ran away once he saw me coming
Running like a rabbit, or a frisky poodle
He ran away quickly and fancifully (compared to two different animals for emphasis)
Blowing his trousers like a bugle
And his pants were flapping loudly as he ran away
I got busted (yay)
I was arrested sarcastic praise again
My own mother was disgusted (she's a fag)
Even my own mother was ashamed of me again insult.
(By the Law, by the Law, by the Law)
I keep repeating that I was arrested by the authorities
Moo...moo...moo...
Silly sound effects added to the end of the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEIL INNES, VIVIAN STANSHALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind