Mr. Wendal

Arrested Development

About Mr. Wendal

"Mr. Wendal" is a song recorded and released by American rap group Arrested Development in 1992, from their most commercially successful album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of.... In Europe and Australia, it was issued as a double A-side with their following single, "Revolution." In the United States, the song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, selling 500,000 copies and earning a gold certification. Additionally, it peaked within the top ten on the charts of Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 1993 Kids Incorporated covered "Mr. Wendal" in the Season 9 episode "One Man Band". 


Year:
1993
4:35
94 
#2

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Here, have a dollar
In fact, no brotherman here, have two
Two dollars means a snack for me
But it means a big deal to you
Be strong, serve God only
Know that if you do, beautiful heaven awaits
That's the poem I wrote for the first time
I saw a man with no clothes, no money, no plate
Mr. Wendal, that's his name
No one ever knew his name cause he's a no-one
Never thought twice about spending on a ol' bum
Until I had the chance to really get to know one
Now that I know him, to give him money isn't charity
He gives me some knowledge, I buy him some shoes
And to think blacks spend all that money on big colleges
Still most of y'all come out confused

Go ahead, Mr. Wendal 

Mr. Wendal has freedom
A free that you and I think is dumb
Free to be without the worries of a quick to diss society
For Mr. Wendal's a bum
His only worries are sickness
And an occasional harassment by the police and their chase
Uncivilized we call him
But I just saw him eat off the food we waste
Civilization, are we really civilized, yes or no
Who are we to judge
When thousands of innocent men could be brutally enslaved
And killed over a racist grudge
Mr. Wendal has tried to warn us about our ways
But we don't hear him talk
Is it his fault when we've gone too far
And we got too far, cause on him we walk
Mr. Wendal, a man, a human in flesh
But not by law
I feed you dignity to stand with pride
Realize that all in all you stand tall

Go ahead, Mr. Wendal 
Mr. Wendal, yeah
Lord, Mr. Wendal

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Arrested Development

Arrested Development is an American alternative hip hop group, founded by Speech and his ex-best friend Headliner (DJ) as a positive, Afrocentric alternative to the gangsta rap popular in the early 1990s. more »

1 fan

Written by: TODD THOMAS, TODD A. THOMAS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Mr. Wendal" Release
"Mr. Wendal" was released by the American alternative hip-hop band Arrested Development in 1992.
Album Inclusion
The song is featured on the band's debut album "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life...".
Chart Success
It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by a homeless man who band member Speech met in Atlanta.
Message Behind the Song
The song highlights the wisdom and value of people living on the fringes of society, specifically the homeless, delivering a message of respect and understanding towards them.
Earning Recognition
"Mr. Wendal" earned the band grammy nominations in 1993 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Song Samples
"Mr. Wendal" samples "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly & The Family Stone, "Close to You" by Richard Evans, and "When it Comes Down to it" by Minnie Riperton.
Cultural Impact
The song has been notably featured in movies like "Zoolander" and "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay".
Cover Versions
A cover version of the song was performed by the band Drumfish on their 1999 album "Fishnure".
Reissues
In 2002, "Mr. Wendal" was re-packaged and issued in a collection of the Arrested Development's greatest hits, entitled "The Best of Arrested Development."
Controversial Element
The song sparked some controversy in the United States for its lyrics which question the value system of affluent Western society, and the negative portrayal of those who don't adhere to it.
In TV and Movies
Besides movies, the song has also been used in the TV show "Fresh Off the Boat."

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    Mr. Wendal

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1993

    Billboard #6


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