This is a song for all the lost men out there whos life has spun out of control, who have wasted years and years of their life doing nothing, who have wrecked good relationships and pushed away people who loved them. Its happened to me too. This is a great madness song, but listen to the words of the song, its incredibly sad and moving. remember.,......time gone can never be regained. Life is short. Its not always easy to change, although it is possible if you dont go mad trying.
Madness have a valuable gift for deep and not necessarily uplifting lyrics. Got to wonder how happy life really is behind the nutty boys' upbeat exterior.
There is no other band as good as Madness. Their music and message have kept me going since they released their first record. Way back when. So pleased to see them mature without losing their originality. I'm now an ex-pat Londoner of 16 years but, I still love London.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
Just read that this failed to even enter the Top 40, peaking at 44. I really don't get that. This is one of the best singles of all time. I guess that people generally like the bouncier, more jolly pop tunes of Madness. But they are really missing out on the real genius of Madness, by not delving deeper into this fantastic group and discovering their more bitter-sweet tracks.
97channel before I read your comment I said exactly the same thing to my wife, a crying shame that this never got any further up the charts, the album Wonderful is totally amazing.
On all the corners, in all the citys stood characters, begging and entertaining all in the one performance. Madness touch upon alcoholism and homelessness as only they can. A loss of life for the futile amusement of others. R.I.P Johnny the Horse.
A true song about the whys and hows to how we lose others and then finally ourselves...and also a redemption to try and do better with our lives and the ones we should love...always a great song with a great message.
I lost my greatest mate Johnny last week. He could not bare the pain and fear of growing old. He left this world on his terms. My heart is broken. but Suggs and Madness, you never fail in making me smile. Thankyou.
This really is brutal when you listen to it. I read somewhere that Chas Smash was talking to a homeless guy who told him his friend had been beaten to death while trying to sleep, and this song was written about him.
Such a beautiful and sad song. Madness is wonderful song writers and they do it under a silly and whimsical coating. Madness has always been brilliant.
What a great song. I wouldn't want to be playing my own death scene. Very chilling to see Chaz's eyes get closed. So hard when friends start to die off one by one. Terrible esp if you don't have friends anymore!
I could never grow tired of this song but for the life of me I still couldn't figure out if they were alluding to someone, a real person or just a myth? I enjoy looking at the guys and how they've aged so well, still looking like the young chaps they used to be. Suggs is the most unchanged when it comes to looks. Great video and story. I'll keep watching it 'till someone tells me who Johnny is hehehe
Chas Smash, a member of madness, was walking down a road near his home one day when he saw a homeless chap who was often in the area in tears on a street corner. He asked what was wrong and the man explained that the previous night his friend had been kicked to death in a fight, thus the idea for Johnny The Horse was born. This song commemorates this tragic story somewhat, and the so many similar terrible occurrences that have happened and continue to happen to this day.
I love all of Madness, all 7 of them, but looking at this I must say that Chas is my favourite. Cos he together with Thommo is the nuttiest and funniest out the whole lot.
I'm totally unable to pick any fave. I love Suggs, I love Chrissy Boy, I love Thommo. Without Woody and Bedders they wouldn't have become what they are, let alone Barso who was the most gifted one and the driving force in the early days. Even John Hasler, sort of "the 8th Nutty Boy" was so pivotal. Plus Clive, and Dave Robinson. Who talked the group into making Chas a permanent member which really made the difference. There's such an amazing chemistry going on among the band members and around them - everyone has contributed so much into it. Personally, I have to admit I underestimated Chas for a while, but when you look at songs like "Our house" or "Johnny the horse", you realize how genius he is. The latter is definitely one of the best songs ever written, and indeed it's unbelievable it never peaked.
Johnny the horse was kicked to death he died for entertainment… Would you believe he came out well He had a bright inquiring mind His family knew that he'd go far If he applied his time But he started out Standing on corners And talking out loud too loud You see he couldn't believe in himself the world Or anything he heard It seems like a million years ago That he left his life behind The moment came for him to go He said goodbye to his wife and child He started out walking Never looked back It was too much pain Between Glasgow and London One hot summer he forgot his name Can you remember his name? Doo doodle eh do do But he started out Standing on corners And talking out loud too loud You see he couldn't believe in himself the world Or anything he heard Can you remember his name? Doo doodle eh do do Can you remember his name? Doo doodle eh do do Ditto Woooh! Will you remember his name? Doo doodle eh do do Ditto Woooh! He took his battered bones and broken dreams to Regents Park at sunset
I have always thought that this is slightly Autobiographical too!, Their Career up to a certain time in the Mid 80's could scan with them burning themselves out and relate that to them being sort of kicked to death Career wise & sort of dying for Entertainment!.
i think your right he left the bank shortly after ...........he made a solo album or two i think hes living in the west of ireland somewhere ....................... i think.............
Well that's a fucking Mandella effect if ever I heard one, I could have sworn that the last line is "Johnny the horse was kicked to death, he died for entertainment" what the fuck! Parallel universe confirmed!
There was so much crap around by this time, no wonder more classic Madness didn't take. It was drowned out by the noise (or in the shit) of the Spice Girls and Eternal. Never mind. They'll always be the real thing. The shit just stinks for a while and then decomposes.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #32 БЕСКОНЕЧНАЯ НОЧЬ [Царство Снов] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ts8H9Aro9Ks/mqdefault.jpg)
Everytime you hear that "Woo!", you cant help but go WOO!! Great song
This is a song for all the lost men out there whos life has spun out of control, who have wasted years and years of their life doing nothing, who have wrecked good relationships and pushed away people who loved them. Its happened to me too. This is a great madness song, but listen to the words of the song, its incredibly sad and moving. remember.,......time gone can never be regained. Life is short. Its not always easy to change, although it is possible if you dont go mad trying.
Can totally relate, but it's not too late to turn it around
Madness have a valuable gift for deep and not necessarily uplifting lyrics. Got to wonder how happy life really is behind the nutty boys' upbeat exterior.
Sums up my life perfectly,! Couldn't have put it better myself .
One off my all time favourite songs also!
Just need to remember we're all just a short step away from it.
The sadly lost 'classic' Madness single. Should have been huge. Brilliant song!
It is huge to some 😁👊🏻
@@pubtastic847 Yes, it is! Golden madness.
There is no other band as good as Madness. Their music and message have kept me going since they released their first record. Way back when.
So pleased to see them mature without losing their originality.
I'm now an ex-pat Londoner of 16 years but, I still love London.
Arguably Madness's greatest song.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
It is difficult for me to pick their best song, it often seems to be whatever song of their's I'm listening to at the time. But, I've thought that if I wanted to introduce someone to Madness, I might pick this song. The video is well done, the lyrics are deep, the song is catchy, and it also captures their humility/groundedness which I think is at the core of their ability to find fun/joy in even serious songs like this and it may be what has helped keep them together for so long.
Incredibly beautiful, sad and moving song. A gem.
Thank you, Madness.
Cathal Smyth, who wrote this song, really added something to the band.
Just read that this failed to even enter the Top 40, peaking at 44. I really don't get that. This is one of the best singles of all time. I guess that people generally like the bouncier, more jolly pop tunes of Madness. But they are really missing out on the real genius of Madness, by not delving deeper into this fantastic group and discovering their more bitter-sweet tracks.
+97channel Well said......agreed!
97channel before I read your comment I said exactly the same thing to my wife, a crying shame that this never got any further up the charts, the album Wonderful is totally amazing.
Totally agree 97, a superb record. Think wonderful Radio 1 had lost interest in Madness by then. A classic record.
Charts don’t mean a damn thing
Their most underrated song. A Classic!
This is a golden song! How does it not have more views?
On all the corners, in all the citys stood characters, begging and entertaining all in the one performance. Madness touch upon alcoholism and homelessness as only they can. A loss of life for the futile amusement of others. R.I.P Johnny the Horse.
A true song about the whys and hows to how we lose others and then finally ourselves...and also a redemption to try and do better with our lives and the ones we should love...always a great song with a great message.
I lost my greatest mate Johnny last week. He could not bare the pain and fear of growing old. He left this world on his terms. My heart is broken. but Suggs and Madness, you never fail in making me smile. Thankyou.
Hugs
Absolutely brilliant, been a fan since 79, this is my favourite along with about 10 others 😂 but it is brilliant
Truly love this track,it's many of our stories,many have learned from this...many not...thanks for bringing tars to my eyes...
I can watch MADNESS videos all day long !!!
i am!
2023 and still love Madness and this Song !
Oh how I love Madness ❤💙🐧
marvelous ❤
This really is brutal when you listen to it. I read somewhere that Chas Smash was talking to a homeless guy who told him his friend had been beaten to death while trying to sleep, and this song was written about him.
A very underrated and underplayed Madness song.
Jesus, WHAT a song. Superb.
2020 anyone. Love this track
Still loving it in 2023 … shame about the sentence change at the beginning .
How cool this band is!
Such a beautiful and sad song. Madness is wonderful song writers and they do it under a silly and whimsical coating. Madness has always been brilliant.
top class madness, happy, sad, reminiscent, joyful,.... madness........i hope i don't outlive them, cos the world will be a sadder place without them,
Wish granted
Mike D stfu
Brilliant !Madness at their best such an underrated song!
+Garry Gibson Not underrated by me !
This song is one of the best madness ever sang ...watched them at uttoxoter racecourse recently they were awesome .....!!!
REALLY sad yet beautiful song. It tastes more than bittersweet to listen. Curse you Madness for making me laugh & cry!
A brilliant song mixing their variety hall musicality with social comment and pure happiness.
The most positive british band ever. Nutty as always.
Good song,great album 👌
if you haven't already checkout the remastered version on spotify as there are lots of extra songs and they're really good
Really good song...was a Madness fan from the 80's and love this new one. they still got! It....
Danke!
Johnny was kicked to death, he didn't pass by!
i think they were only aloud to say pass this way for the vid to be made
+bill1234bob1 well... actually this is the radio edit... the non-radio version said "kicked to death"
I knew I wasn't a nutcase who'd made that part up
It really changes the meaning of the song. Not like, bad, but very different
Brilliant
Favorite song of all the songs
MADNESS the BEST 😎😎😎😎😎
Absolutely brilliant. Love this. Long live Madness...diddidid whoaa.
It's right up there along with Arlington House,it's a sad society we live in.😢
Wonderful song. My favourite. Well done Chas.
What a great song. I wouldn't want to be playing my own death scene. Very chilling to see Chaz's eyes get closed. So hard when friends start to die off one by one. Terrible esp if you don't have friends anymore!
Tune!!!!
love it
Sono Italiano 🇮🇹 lì adoro
Mr Suggs still have lots of style! 😊
Thommo….Legend!
A very defining album in my crazy days
good tune!!
RESPECT
I could never grow tired of this song but for the life of me I still couldn't figure out if they were alluding to someone, a real person or just a myth? I enjoy looking at the guys and how they've aged so well, still looking like the young chaps they used to be. Suggs is the most unchanged when it comes to looks. Great video and story. I'll keep watching it 'till someone tells me who Johnny is hehehe
+tuberobotto Just like Mack the Knife, Johnny the Horse was a stereotype.
Chas Smash, a member of madness, was walking down a road near his home one day when he saw a homeless chap who was often in the area in tears on a street corner. He asked what was wrong and the man explained that the previous night his friend had been kicked to death in a fight, thus the idea for Johnny The Horse was born. This song commemorates this tragic story somewhat, and the so many similar terrible occurrences that have happened and continue to happen to this day.
Who told u that Jim?
Read it online somewhere!
Its about me
God Bless Johnny ..... :(
Still classic Madness.
Why have I not heard this before
I would buy every single one of your albums, past and present...but you have to meet me first... cu@ the blues stadium
I love all of Madness, all 7 of them, but looking at this I must say that Chas is my favourite. Cos he together with Thommo is the nuttiest and funniest out the whole lot.
+Greatest1979 Chas has always been my favourite......
Seems common and predictable but suggs is my favourite
Greatest1979 Suggs is immortal but Mike Barson the definition of legend!
I'm totally unable to pick any fave. I love Suggs, I love Chrissy Boy, I love Thommo. Without Woody and Bedders they wouldn't have become what they are, let alone Barso who was the most gifted one and the driving force in the early days. Even John Hasler, sort of "the 8th Nutty Boy" was so pivotal. Plus Clive, and Dave Robinson. Who talked the group into making Chas a permanent member which really made the difference. There's such an amazing chemistry going on among the band members and around them - everyone has contributed so much into it. Personally, I have to admit I underestimated Chas for a while, but when you look at songs like "Our house" or "Johnny the horse", you realize how genius he is. The latter is definitely one of the best songs ever written, and indeed it's unbelievable it never peaked.
just great live....
+geoff rix I know !!
Johnny the horse was kicked to death
he died for entertainment…
Would you believe he came out well
He had a bright inquiring mind
His family knew that he'd go far
If he applied his time
But he started out
Standing on corners
And talking out loud too loud
You see he couldn't believe in himself the world
Or anything he heard
It seems like a million years ago
That he left his life behind
The moment came for him to go
He said goodbye to his wife and child
He started out walking
Never looked back
It was too much pain
Between Glasgow and London
One hot summer he forgot his name
Can you remember his name?
Doo doodle eh do do
But he started out
Standing on corners
And talking out loud too loud
You see he couldn't believe in himself the world
Or anything he heard
Can you remember his name?
Doo doodle eh do do
Can you remember his name?
Doo doodle eh do do
Ditto Woooh!
Will you remember his name?
Doo doodle eh do do
Ditto Woooh!
He took his battered bones and broken dreams to Regents Park at sunset
wonder why they changed the lyrics from 'kicked to death 'to 'passed this way'?
@@johnbrookes4892just to make it more radio friendly, the lyrics as written are the proper version.
nice promo. this track reminds me a bit of beatles, kinks and others like that.
Got album for Xmas gone..this song came up..unsure what it's about didn't listen to it...so this is...oh...thought otherwise a horse
Recent material? Wow, they maintained their personality here.
Will you remember?
For my nephew, Freddy. RIP
Even songs I don't like are still good 3:22 3:22 3:22
Brilliant Video FX & as for the Sounds ....... I'm SKAnking. ;)
dat video clip i do say
I have always thought that this is slightly Autobiographical too!, Their Career up to a certain time in the Mid 80's could scan with them burning themselves out and relate that to them being sort of kicked to death Career wise & sort of dying for Entertainment!.
Marmalade Stex1591 Nail on the head! Always the double or triple entendre.
*JOHNNY THE HORSE WAS KICKED TO DEATH!!!!!*
#2023 anyone ?
Johnny must have been a Blackpool fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Watching the video in hindsight it’s kind of a symbolic prediction of Chas Smash leaving the in band.
i think your right he left the bank shortly after ...........he made a solo album or two i think hes living in the west of ireland somewhere ....................... i think.............
1:40 marks face!
I coudn't have put it better myself
1010 LOVE 💘❤ 💘 8
what's going on with chas these days? when's he going to rejoin?
Can you remember ?
Highest position 44 only 2 weeks
Well that's a fucking Mandella effect if ever I heard one, I could have sworn that the last line is "Johnny the horse was kicked to death, he died for entertainment" what the fuck! Parallel universe confirmed!
Ditto
@@yidarmy3916 So glad I wasn't the only one!
This is the radio friendly version. The album version is the “kicked to death” lyric.
ok
Between Glasgow and London one hot summer he forgot his name...
Ian Dury ............ Part of this band.
Written by Michael watson
Written by chas smash
Sounds the the beetles album ...walruses
; )
I'm Morgan the donkey. :(
I'll never understand the face morph trend in music videos.
It’s madness
Madness haven’t produced anything decent since this album.
Kind of metaphorical as Chas is no longer in the band.
Victor oladuja so sad that, hope they’re spiritually together because they’re fyckin fabulous!
There was so much crap around by this time, no wonder more classic Madness didn't take. It was drowned out by the noise (or in the shit) of the Spice Girls and Eternal. Never mind. They'll always be the real thing. The shit just stinks for a while and then decomposes.
Chas was well fat here.
hahah well you never know... ^_^
He was a soldier in the second world war and was so brutalised and traumatised by the war that he couldn't go back to his old life.