Oh
The Madness Lyrics

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[Repeat; x 4]
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

Well I've chased a rainbow (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have coveted gold (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I've sat in the back of a long black Cadillac (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Wondering where the hell I was going (oh yeah, oh yeah)
But I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)

It ain't nothing at all, oh no (oh yeah, oh yeah)
No no

Well I've a rare disease (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Here in the palm of my hands (oh yeah, oh yeah)
And I've heard words so absurd cluttering up the world (oh yeah, oh yeah)
That makes me feel like I should have known better (oh yeah, oh yeah)
But I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)
It ain't nothing at all, oh no (oh yeah, oh yeah)

[Repeat: x 4]
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) no no

I have a way of losing things
And I've just heard the biggest joke of all

(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) no no
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) oh no
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) no no
(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)

I've succumbed to impulse (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Fought off a violent streak (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have shouted no sense (oh yeah, oh yeah)
'Til it make me so weak (oh yeah, oh yeah)
And I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)
It ain't nothing but me (oh yeah, oh yeah)

[Repeat: x 4]

I have a way of losing things
And I've just heard the biggest joke of all

Overall Meaning

The Madness's song "Oh" expresses the human tendency to yearn for more, chase after things that seem desirable, only to find that the pursuit was meaningless. The repetition of "oh yeah" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the human tendency towards superficiality and desire for instant gratification. In the first stanza, the singer describes chasing a rainbow and seeking riches, only to ultimately feel lost and directionless. The second stanza reveals a sense of dissatisfaction with the world, with the singer feeling disenchanted with the deluge of meaningless words and falsehoods that obscure the truth. The chorus repeats that despite these pursuits and desires, when the singer finally arrives at their destination, it will be empty and meaningless.

The third stanza explores the idea that despite attempts to control our impulses, we are often overpowered by them. The singer has given in to violent tendencies and has shouted senselessly, leading to a sense of exhaustion and weakness. The repetition of the final lines underscores the idea that we are all ultimately flawed in our desires and impulses, and our pursuit of these things ultimately leaves us feeling empty.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Repetitive expression conveying excitement and anticipation

Well I've chased a rainbow (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have pursued an elusive dream that may not be achievable

I have coveted gold (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have desired material wealth and possessions

I've sat in the back of a long black Cadillac (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have traveled in luxury and style, but without direction or purpose

Wondering where the hell I was going (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have felt lost, confused and uncertain about life's journey

But I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Despite the doubts and uncertainties, I have faith in my ability to reach my destination

It ain't nothing at all, oh no (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Yet, upon arrival, the destination may prove to be unfulfilling or disappointing

Well I've a rare disease (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I possess a unique ailment or personal flaw

Here in the palm of my hands (oh yeah, oh yeah)
It is something I carry with me at all times

And I've heard words so absurd cluttering up the world (oh yeah, oh yeah)
The nonsense and chaos of the world can be overwhelming

That makes me feel like I should have known better (oh yeah, oh yeah)
It leads me to question the knowledge and experience I possess

But I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Despite the confusion and doubts, I remain hopeful of achieving my goals

It ain't nothing at all, oh no (oh yeah, oh yeah)
But ultimately, the destination may prove to be insignificant or meaningless

I have a way of losing things
I tend to misplace or lose my possessions or opportunities

And I've just heard the biggest joke of all
I have been let down or deceived by something or someone I trusted

I've succumbed to impulse (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have given in to the temptation and urges of the moment

Fought off a violent streak (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have struggled to control my anger and aggression

I have shouted no sense (oh yeah, oh yeah)
I have expressed my frustration and confusion in ways that are not productive

'Til it make me so weak (oh yeah, oh yeah)
These outbursts have left me exhausted and depleted

And I know when I get there (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Despite the setbacks and challenges, I remain confident in myself

It ain't nothing but me (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Ultimately, my experiences and emotions are an integral part of my identity

(Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) no no
Repetition of excitement and anticipation, followed by disappointment or disillusionment

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, LEE JAY THOMPSON, GRAHAM MCPHERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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