Released June 2005 Recorded 2004 Length 3:28 | Format CD Genre Acoustic rock Label Brushfire | |
"Good People" is a protest song written and performed by Jack Johnson. It is the fourth track on the album In Between Dreams and was released as a single in June 2005. Though the song has a positive and relaxing sound, it is a critic of contemporary television, especially with regard to frequent violence, and its effect on society. The song is similar to the song "Cookie Jar" from Johnson's previous album On and On, which also draws attention to the issue, but with a more explicit protest and melancholic sound.
Commercial performance
The song did poorly compared to the other singles from Johnson's In Between Dreams album, although it did peak at #29 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US. It also became a minor hit in the UK, peaking at #50 on the UK Singles Chart and appearing on Now That's What I Call Music! 61, the sixty-first volume of the British hits compilation series. It peaked at #25 in New Zealand and at #92 in the Netherlands. The single was certified gold by the RIAA.