Uncle Sam

Madness

About Uncle Sam

"Uncle Sam" is a song by the English ska/pop band Madness from their 1985 album Mad Not Mad. It was predominantly written by their saxophonist Lee Thompson, but partially credited to their guitarist Chris Foreman.


Year:
1985
180 

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Here they come again hop scotching up to my door
One by one again knockety knock knocking upon my floor
Swinging on my gate they gain entry by the yard
Pulling at my hair they scream paint your thoughts upon my card

But not tonight I've got studies to examine
Tomorrow I'll be watching all the Queen's men
A talent contest on Monday with my Uncle Sam
Who now takes up all of my time he gives me things to do
'Cause he's a wonderful man

But I'm sailing across the sea to see my Uncle Sam
I'm sailing across the sea to be with my Uncle Sam
To be with my Uncle Sam

Silly little sniggers from the women liberators
But I'll stand and hold my post
Polished buttons and erect I'll raise the flag
I'll show those women who's the most

But not tonight I've got studies to examine
Tomorrow I'll be watching all the Queen's men
A talent contest on Monday with my Uncle Sam
Who now takes up all of my time, gives me things to do
He's a wonderful man

But not tonight I've got studies to examine
Tomorrow ah ah ah
And tomorrow I'll be watching all the Queen's men
A talent contest on Monday with my Uncle Sam
Who now takes up all of my time he gives me things to do
'Cause he's a wonderful man

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Madness

Madness are an English ska band from Camden Town, London, that formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival, they continue to perform with their most recognised line-up of seven members. more »

2 fans

Written by: MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, LEE JAY THOMPSON, GRAHAM MCPHERSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


25 facts about this song

Release Date
"Uncle Sam" was released on September 9, 1985, by the British band Madness.
Album Information
The song is one of the tracks from Madness' sixth studio album called "Mad Not Mad," which was released in the same year.
Song Positioning
"Uncle Sam" is recorded as the seventh song on the "Mad Not Mad" album.
Music Chart Performance
The single reached no. 21 on UK Singles Chart, making it the band's last top 40 hit before their two-year hiatus and subsequent reunion in 1992.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Uncle Sam" relate to aspects of American culture, symbols, and its military, hence the name.
Songwriters
"Uncle Sam" was written by Chris Foreman and Lee Thompson, two members of Madness.
Music Style
It is a song in the ska style fused with pop, which is typical of Madness' music.
Return to Roots
The song marked a return to the band's roots, with a predominant ska sound after previously exploring other genres.
Video Portrayal
The highly symbolic video of Uncle Sam portrays a series of American symbols and iconic figures, perspective of society at that time, including the American flag, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and a marching band led by a drum major.
Line-up Changes
"Uncle Sam" was one of the songs recorded after Mike Barson, the keyboardist of the band, left in 1984. It was also the final single released under the Stiff Records label before the band moved to Zarjazz Records.
Band Background
"Uncle Sam" is a song by the British ska/pop band Madness.
Album Information
Released in 1985, the song is from the band's fifth studio album "Mad Not Mad."
Song's Popularity
It peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of the band's top 30 hits in the country.
Meaning of the Song
The song is a commentary on the Cold War, with "Uncle Sam" referring to the United States government.
Song Duration
The song has a running time of approximately 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
Lyrics Perception
Critics praise the song for its sophisticated approach to lyrical storytelling.
Song's Influences
"Uncle Sam" showcases Madness' unique blend of ska, pop, and new wave influences.
Music Video
The music video for "Uncle Sam" features a distinctive visual style that incorporates elements of war-themed imagery and comic book aesthetics.
Songwriter
The track was chiefly penned by Chris Foreman and Lee Thompson, who were among the key members of the band Madness.
Reissues
"Uncle Sam" was later included in several of the band's compilation albums including "Divine Madness" and "A Guided Tour of Madness."
Live Performances
Despite its less-than-stellar chart performance, "Uncle Sam" remains a popular addition to Madness' live performances.
Impact
Although this song is not Madness' most well-known work, it reflects the band's ability to combine catchy pop melodies with thought-provoking themes - something that has helped them retain a devoted fan base over the years.
Sound Mix
The song is known for its catchy brass sections and the rhythmic quality of the drum beats, making it a quintessential Madness track.
Release Format
The original release of "Uncle Sam" was on 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl.
Unique Fact
It is one of the few Madness songs where the band's saxophone player, Lee Thompson, takes on lead vocal duties.

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