Released October 16, 1978 Genre Rock, pop | Recorded January–September 1978 Length 5:53 | |
Label MCA (US/Canada)
The Rocket Record Company Writer(s) Elton John, Gary Osborne | ||
"Madness" is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Gary Osborne. It is the ninth track off his 1978 album, A Single Man.
Contents
Musical structure
The song fades in from the previous track on the album "Shooting Star". The rhythm section is driven by a disco-esque 4/4 beat, and in the middle of the song, a string section is featured giving it a more modern feel. John also sings in a high falsetto range in the choruses. Towards the end of the song, the song gets more and more chaotic, fitting with the lyrics. The song fades out as John screams the lyrics.
Lyrical meaning
This song deals with problems of the world, and there are many references to fires and catastrophes. The chaotic orchestration and melody illustrates that very well. There are also poverty and war issues mentioned, and a world that just doesn't understand peace. It has also been stated that the song was about the conflict in Northern Ireland.