Cardiac Arrest

Madness

About Cardiac Arrest

"Cardiac Arrest" is a song by British band Madness from their third album 7 and other compilation album called Complete Madness. It spent 10 weeks in UK charts peaking at number 14. The song was written by Chas Smash and Chris Foreman and tells a story of a workaholic who suffers a fatal heart attack on his way to work. It was the first Madness single since "The Prince" which did not reach the UK top 10. The album version of the song ends after the second chorus with a dramatic cut to a coda representing the man's heart thudding and then stopping. The single version replaces this with a repeat of the more optimistic first chorus, which fades out. The music video for "Cardiac Arrest" featured Chas Smash as a person having a heart attack and the remaining band members playing roles of people advising him not to work so hard. The video follows the single version of the song rather than the album version. The B-side, "In the City", was originally written by Bill Crutchfield, Chas Smash, Chris Foreman, Daisuke Inoue, Suggs, and Mike Barson for a Japanese television advertisement for Honda City cars. The various versions of the advert, including variations using "Driving in My Car" instead of "In the City", appear between tracks on the Divine Madness video. 


Year:
1999
2:51
114 

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Papers in the morning
Bowler hat on head
Walking to the bus stop
He's longing for his bed,
Waiting with his neighbours
In the rush hour queue
Got to get the first bus
So much for him to do.
He's got to hurry
Got to get his seat
Can't miss his place
Got to rest his feet.

Ten more minutes till he gets there
The crossword's nearly done.
It's been so hard these days
Not nearly so much fun.
His mind wanders to the office
His telephone, desk and chair
He's been happy with the company
They've treated him real fair.
Think of seven letters
Begin and end in 'C'
Like a big American car
But misspelt with a 'D'.
I wish this bus'd get a move on,
Driver's taking his time.
I just don't know, I'll be late
Oh dear what will the boss say?
Pull yourself together now
Don't get in a state

Don't you worry
There's no hurry
It's a lovely day
Could all be going your way
Take the doc's advice
Let up enjoy your life
Listen to what they say
It's not a game they play.

He'll never get there at this rate
He's caught up in a jam.
There's a meeting this morning
It's just his luck oh damn!
His hand dives in his pocket
For his handkerchief.
Pearls of sweat on his collar
His pulse-beat seems so brief.
Eyes fall on his wristwatch
The seconds pass real slow
Gasping for the hot air
But the chest pain it won't go.
Tried to ask for help
But can't seem to speak a word,
Words are whispered frantically
But don't seem to be heard.
What about the wife and kids?
They all depend on me!

We're so sorry
We told you not to hurry.
Now it's just too late
You've got a certain date
We thought we made it clear
We all voiced our inner fears
We left it up to you
There's nothing we can do.

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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 SMYTH, CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, CHRISTOPHER FOREMAN, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, GRAHAM MCPHERSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON, MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, MICHAEL BARSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Date
"Cardiac Arrest" by Madness was released on February 5, 1982.
Album
The song is a part of the album "7", which is the third album by the British ska/pop band.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Cardiac Arrest" peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.
Genre
This track is typically classed under the genres of ska and pop.
Song Length
The duration of "Cardiac Arrest" is about 2 minutes and 53 seconds.
Songwriters
The songwriters for "Cardiac Arrest" are Chris Foreman and Cathal Smyth.
Theme
"Cardiac Arrest" tells a narrative about the stresses of modern life leading to a literal heart attack, hence the title.
B-Side Track
It's B-side track is called "In The City."
Reception
Although a successful release, "Cardiac Arrest" was controversial due to its dark and grim themes.
Band Members
The members of Madness at the time of release were Graham McPherson, Mike Barson, Chris Foreman, Lee Thompson, Daniel Woodgate, Mark Bedford, and Cathal Smyth.
Video
The music video for "Cardiac Arrest" was set in a typical London working environment, aligning with the theme of stress and pressure in the lyrics.
End of Chart Topping Era
"Cardiac Arrest" marked the end of Madness's initial run of top 20 hits on the UK charts.
Unique Sound
Incorporating sounds like a honking, blaring horn in the song, it aimed to mimic the congested traffic of London streets, driving home the point of urban pressure.
Repetitive Words
The song uses the word 'nonsense' 10 times adding to the repetitive, grinding feel that reflects the theme of stressful urban life
Withdrawal from BBC
Interesting to note, the song was withdrawn from Top of the Pops on BBC due to its potentially depressing subject matter.

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