One Better Day

Madness

About One Better Day

"One Better Day" is a song by British band Madness from their 1984 album Keep Moving. The song was written by Graham McPherson and Mark Bedford. The song was released as a single in the UK, and spent 7 weeks in British charts peaking at number 18. The single was a last minute choice, as "Victoria Gardens" from the same album was originally slated to be the album's second single. The remixed version of "Victoria Gardens" intended for the A-side was instead included as a bonus track on the 12" single. The substitution was likely made to avoid releasing two consecutive singles with Carl Smyth as lead vocalist, following the disappointing (by their standards) sales of "Michael Caine" and widespread rumours that Suggs was about to leave, or had already left, the group. This was the last single under the Stiff Records label, before the band's creation of their own label, Zarjazz Records. The B-side "Guns" was McPherson's first solo writing credit and meant that all seven members of the group had been credited with at least one solo composition. 


Year:
1984
109 

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Arlington house, address: no fixed abode
An old man in a three-piece suit sits in the road
He stares across the water, he sees right through the lock
But on and up like outstretched hands
His mumbled words, his fumbled words, mock

Further down, a photo booth, a million plastic bags
And an old woman filling out a million baggage tags
But when she gets thrown out, three bags at a time
She spies the old chap in the road to share her bags with
She has bags of time

Surrounded by his past, on a short white line
He sits while cars pass either side, takes his time
Trying to remember one better day
A while ago when people stopped to hear him say

Walking round you sometimes hear the sunshine
Beating down in time with the rhythm of your shoes

Now she has walked enough through rainy town
She rests her bag against his and sits down
She's trying to remember one better day
A while ago when people stopped to hear her say

Walking round you sometimes hear the sunshine
Beating down in time with the rhythm of your shoes
Walking round you sometimes hear the sunshine
Beating down in time with the rhythm of your shoes
The feeling of arriving when you've nothing left to lose

Walking round you sometimes hear the sunshine
Beating down in time with the rhythm of your shoes
The feeling of arriving when you've nothing left to lose

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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: Cathal Joseph Smyth, Christopher John Foreman, Daniel Mark Woodgate, Graham Mcpherson, Lee Jay Thompson, Mark Bedford, Mark William Bedford, Michael Barson

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band History
"One Better Day" is performed by the English ska band, Madness, which is known for their combination of pop, reggae, and punk rock influences.
Album Info
The song is part of the band's 1984 album "Keep Moving", which was the fifth studio album released by Madness.
Chart Performance
"One Better Day" reached number 18 in the UK Singles Chart, showing the band's continued popularity.
Music Video Details
The music video for this song was shot in the east end of London in a then derelict area called Spitalfields Market.
Song Theme
This sentimental ballad represents homelessness, a significant departure from the band’s typical lighter, more comedic songs.
Line-Up Changes
"One Better Day" was one of the last songs featuring Madness original keyboardist Mike Barson before he left the band for personal reasons.
Album Reception
Despite having a more somber tone, the "Keep Moving" album received mostly positive reviews and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry.
Live Performances
"One Better Day" has been featured in many of the band's live performances, becoming a fan favorite over the years.
Song Interpretation
The song, despite its upbeat tempo, showcases the struggles faced by homeless people and portrays a social message.
Band's Legacy
This song helps reinforce Madness’s enduring popularity. Even today, the band's songs, including "One Better Day", are often used in British media for various projects, increasing their longevity in popular culture.
Band's Influence
Madness's diverse styles, as showcased in "One Better Day", have influenced a number of later British bands, including the likes of Blur and Oasis.

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