Madness - House of Fun (Official 4K Video)

‘House of Fun’ video now in 4K HD.
'Wonderful' by Madness for the first time on vinyl! Order now: madnessband.ln...
'House Of Fun' was released as a one-off single in 1982 and went to #1 in the UK, staying in the chart for nine weeks. The song is arguably the best example of
Madness' "nutty sound", a combination of fairground vaudeville, ska and out-and-out pop. Filmed on location in North London, it finds our boys acting out their coming-of-age tale in true Madness style.
Download Total Madness on iTunes : apple.co/29mXeB5
Buy Total Madness on Amazon : amzn.to/29qu0Sp
Listen to Total Madness on Spotify : spoti.fi/29hd2Cj
Check out Madness on Facebook : bit.ly/29eYRxw
Discover more about Madness on their website : www.madness.co.uk
Lyrics:
Good morning miss
Can I help you son?
Sixteen today
And up for fun
I'm a big boy now
Or so they say
So if you'll serve
I'll be on my way
Box of balloons
With the feather-light touch
Pack of party-poppers
That pop in the night
A toothbrush and hairspray
Plastic grin
Miss Clay on all corners
Has just walked in
Welcome to the House of Fun
Now I've come of age
Welcome to the House of Fun
Welcome to the lion's den
Temptation's on his way
Welcome to the House of
No no miss
You misunderstood
Sixteen big boy
Full pint in my manhood
I'm up to date
And the date's today
So if you'll serve
I'll be on my way
Welcome to the House of Fun
Now I've come of age
Welcome to the lion's den
Temptation's on his way
Welcome to the House of (Fun)
I'm sorry son
But we don't stock
Party gimmicks
In this shop
Try the House of Fun
It's quicker if you run
This is a chemist
Not a jokers' shop!
Party hats
Simple enough clear
Comprehende savvy understand
Do you hear?
A pack of party hats
With the coloured tips
Too late!
Gorgon's heard gossip
Well hello Joe, hello Miss Clay
Many happy returns from the day
Welcome to the House of Fun
Now I've come of age
Welcome to the House of Fun
Welcome to the lion's den
Temptation's on his way
Welcome to the House of Fun
Welcome to the House of Fun
#Madness #HouseOfFun #40thAnniversary

[@veronicacanfield5070]

Madness is like Monty Python and Ska music having a baby.

[@anthonycastelluci9225]

Not sure about the "having a baby" part. But, I did laugh hard while enjoying the music. Good trick! We used to do the in-line Madness walk in the Marines when we went to Army jump school. They thought we were nuts.

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@anthonycastelluci9225 haha that’s brilliant.

[@GlennMichaelHasting]

A Mash-up Of Python and Ska Too Right...

[@annedonovan9005]

You noticed the strong Python influence in this too...esp the guys in drag....

[@jimmysealofapproval8480]

Yes...that Baby's name is Louis and his braces are permanent...like his position on the UK home travel Police force

[@nootnoot8543]

I was bought up with Madness. This song gives me an amazing feeling of nostalgia.

[@sami1670]

I've just found out about them not Long ago and I have already got a ticket to see them in December 😹

[@romarovinciguerra5387]

Where they playing next month?

[@sami1670]

Glasgow secc

[@jackagweriolipson582]

noot noot hey your pretty

[@nootnoot8543]

+Jack agwerio Lipson thank you I'm blushing

[@DerekSizeland]

And the fairground is the Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth.

[@MizzychanJuliaRobison-rg1vj]

Its my favorite song

[@derecksaurio]

Diciembre 2020, aún en aislamiento por la pandemia. 😔 Pero feliz escuchando estas joyas ♥️✌🏻 Saludos desde Puebla, México

[@Idcanymore510]

At the time we didn't realise just how brilliant these guys (and many others) were. We took it all for granted.

[@hopebgood]

Not sure I agree with you there mate. Everyone I knew then always knew Madness were something special.

[@antmer3954]

The best part about this song and video is now we all know how the politicians really work. In the context of music, Madness built a following because they looked at life from the real world and dared to push boundaries. Great song and band.

[@eyebrowes1886]

Less than 40 years what has London done to itself

[@bizyizziaz4831]

the rich and hipsters and blandos moved in

[@datcheesecakeboi6745]

@@bizyizziaz4831 no the asians have Like literally theres more then manchester and they tend to be more introverted then the british lads out drunk in a pub

[@sargeantpepper]

00:17 that is how I enter every store since I watched him doing it

[@gomygomynooo]

Кто тоже пришёл проверить поднимет ли эта песня настроение, как и посчитал учёный?

[@huggygamingandfun6368]

I love this video and song the old lady in the pink cardi looking out the window at 11seconds in is my great nana Elsie

[@conors4430]

It only took me 20 years to realise he's talking about buying condoms

[@megansharma-bradley8813]

conor smith same

[@jizzo225]

Yep...and originally I thought the lyrics were about getting served alcohol legally.

[@themelidenstar7040]

This song ironically played on my 16th Birthday (8 years ago) on the tele (we had the big freeze and I had two weeks off school because of it) and I twigged on. The line 16 today and up for fun was what made me realise haha.

[@JayPenber]

I thought this song had a double meaning to it besides the condom metaphor. Maybe it's just me that thinks that.

[@markleyland8086]

Madame Monde Mysterieux Oh those teenage years back in the 80s. What great times they were, if only we could go back 😎

[@alanburge2725]

Not just the song. The video is pure fun. This is the full package right here. Ahhh the 80s.......

[@carabiner7999]

Not safe for Florida, luv. Men in drag, 'n' all!

[@victorrock1997]

So very well said! Much respect and all the best!

[@Despondencymusic]

Full package...I see what you did there. 😂

[@Littlemouse884]

Love the the authentic genuine freedom and fun the kids are having

[@eleanorhogan8643]

Well this group is not called Madness for nothing.

[@zamrock7634]

the best part is that he's too embarrassed to just ask it directly.

[@Michealsoft]

6 years and 440 likes and no comments

[@scotnick59]

Very cute, I agree; an innocence not seen today

[@thomasbrantley5667]

7 years later-dude that's the whole point of the song. Holy shit

[@ethangill2628]

I wouldn’t be but I’m not 16 yet I got 2 years

[@leannefarrer698]

why is your profile pic the Anarchist flag?

[@Autopsy6]

It has taken me almost 40 years to realize that this song is about the Battle of Hastings.

[@viperruin8746]

Flame Boy no no miss, you misunderstood

[@jamesboulger8705]

Lol

[@ianblack7006]

Suggs was born in hasting

[@BaccarWozat]

I thought it was about the Hotel California.

[@cap5macca5jack5]

He is talking about condoms idiot

[@wevibin-_-4268]

0:45 “when the boys pull up”

[@henryt2229]

Me on my way to give the boys a goodnight kiss

[@therealunslimshady471]

Me and the boys on our way to obliterate the law

[@abrahamsvlogs4040]

Or when the boys see you with a pack of gum in class

[@tomwatson0663]

Me and the boys on Xbox at 3 am

[@Despondencymusic]

I'm going to do that dance at work tomorrow.

[@garymiller2758]

i was there when they made the video for house of fun on the pleasure beach in great yarmouth ...... its bang opposite our school and me and my mates bunked off to watch the band make the video ! ! ! ! ! we got to meet suggs and the rest of the band .............. what a day that was ! ! ! !

[@arougea.i.3380]

gary miller can you say that in American please.

[@greatbritishedits6602]

gary miller you chat shit mate

[@KerrisonFilm]

Greenacre?

[@JPowell1997]

Lucky

[@notveryrea1]

@@arougea.i.3380 😂😂😂 come on.. didn't you atleast understand some if it?!

[@liro6767]

Love this song. Brings back memories of happier times, and “The Young Ones.”

[@EmilyHowardsWifey]

WAIT WAIT WAIT

[@carabiner7999]

Bloody life savers, that lot!

[@JanBestwick-yz2jy]

Pee wee’s play house

[@kbc163]

Neil, you utter bastard!

[@anaberenicepalos2950]

Lo crean o no, el movimiento y en especial, "madness" , impactó la vida de muchos jóvenes mexicanos en la frontera con Estados Unidos.. me cuento entre ellos. Que buenos tiempos en "la casa Alvarado" mejor conocido como "the house"

[@Y0oryo]

The way the 3 guys enter the store is EPIC!

[@youmustbebored1250]

How could it be any better?

[@pennykorte7583]

Jo OjMa agree

[@jogonjohn205]

Nah they noncing on the 16 year old

[@jennifersman7990]

Wonder how many times they had to do that cause that sucker is timed JUST! RIGHT!

[@1stinenergylimitedmdevelop533]

Biblical

[@AdmiralBangle]

A song about condoms that reached #1. Now that's how you music.

[@deandupont5503]

I looked it up. There is no minimum age limit for purchasing condoms anywhere in the UK. The age for purchasing liquor is eighteen, dropping to sixteen to for purchasing beer, wine, and cider. (so I was wrong about age limits, other than you can probably purchase beer and cider.. But no restrictions on "soft" alcohol based on age starting at sixteen. There are restrictions about knocking back, say, scotch: you got to be over 18 for hard liquor, and you have to purchase food with your beverage to purchase in a "public house".... But go ahead and get that beer-buzz as soon as you're sixteen, the law says you're fine. (Propriety is another matter, but you'll make friends among your fifteen year old chav friends. So go ahead and buy a plate of chips and seven beers: you're golden.

[@jackwhyatt7396]

Shut the fuck up don't write me a fucking essay

[@megansharma-bradley8813]

Admiral Bangle i think about this song very differently now😂

[@JKTube]

+Megan Bradley: Sort of like finding out what Prince meant by "Trojan horses" in "Little Red Corvette" for us Americans.

[@ghostpuppet31]

No song about blue-balls though!

[@eleanorhogan8643]

This video just goes to show this group is not called Madness for nothing.

[@jasonsmall3805]

Fr

[@mandalorian23]

How could anyone NOT love this song?!

[@thesoupnazi2628]

mandalorian233 my mom straight up told me she doesn't like Madness and I felt my heart break as she said it. Still on the mend.

[@atlasthefemboy]

This song is a classic and cool

[@FlowerGriffon]

I don’t love it... I ADORE IT!

[@christopherblackwell264]

It's a classic!

[@bhaboi2686]

This song is one of my favourites with our house

[@DrawtoonzStudio]

Welcome to our house of fun, in the middle of our street!

[@maxgrossmann1636]

In Cairo?

[@pennykorte7583]

Drawtoonz Studio that's the one

[@1980StarWarsGuy]

On a Gray day which you have to make one step beyond to get to?

[@FireStormDel]

@@1980StarWarsGuy Yeah, you can probably make it between the Sun and The Rain if you take a couple Ghost Trains, or even borrow My Car, and be a Bed and Breakfast Man by the time you get there Tomorrow, just hope a Cardiac Arrest doesn't stop you, even then, you'd have My Girl to talk to about first.

[@Vinnay94]

UNDERRATED COMMENT

[@AliciaNazir]

If I ever went mad, this would be one of the main songs playing in loop in my brain

[@rustyreddo]

as a professional maniac i can confirm this is the case

[@stickieoficjalny]

​@@rustyreddome too

[@BillboBaggins111]

Try playing 2x speed

[@siahdvebwjwuab485]

Your cringe mate

[@adelehtaylor]

I love these guys. They always look like they're having so much fun!

[@christophermorrison3667]

Honestly Adele. I totally agree with you. X

[@davidrees1279]

You have hit the nail smack on the head there! It is such a catchy track as well.

[@Dinvadbhatmarathi98]

Suggs the lead singer resembles a cross between Biff the bully from Back to the future movie and the guy who gets killed by Arnold in the 1st Terminator who says toArnold wash day tomorrow nothing clean,

[@smackhead]

@@davidrees1279 Smack on the head? hitting close to home there ;)

[@lewis72]

Many artists from the early-mid 80s looked as though they were having great fun from their videos, not to the same extent as in this video though !

[@guybrushthreepwood3054]

The funny jumping kid at 0:06 . Children look so genuinely happy in these old videos from the 70s and 80s.

[@shamusbob7969]

It was the racism!

[@josephcostello695]

The one thing about their videos they seem to have fun doing them. Never taking themselves seriously except the music witch was great. Shame they never made bigger in the states.

[@cobraaction1365]

If there was ever a quintessential British band its Madness

[@crusherconi]

cain leon nah

[@flightlesslord2688]

Yeh, or Queen, Clash, the Beatles, Sex Pistols.. Theres alot of good shit.

[@oliver-dw6ig]

@@flightlesslord2688 birds of prey on tv guide you through the process and Oliverdgvcgccchvhh hhyggghhhfyfhfhfhffgcjfhdbcbcbchgjgjgfggfhfufucjhjbjchfyfyguyhhjhbhuvuhihugughhghgjhjvkhjhkhh 5fhgjfhfjxjdkdkfkf45fgbgbhnhnvjgkhfugggcjfjcghghvhghhjgjhhihiyugjfhvjhhhvrkeyjdiwkejrhdgfgf ghyh is a little bit of mash up 8j9j8jo8j99th and Oliver up off 89dtdrrwrrebzbfhfbfbxnfgvfjfbvgcbcckghggfhfhdjfjchfkgmbjfbdtchgkgjghghffjfuducugfrdtfgdffftryrtdhrhrhdhf6vydjdgffjfjgyfffydyfrftrtgtfgfhfhtyfjtnfhtgytjfkfkgffjgugh nu

[@thewhoman3182]

@@flightlesslord2688 those bands are the shit. Good taste in music

[@mergieismoronic]

+James Simpson I agree.

[@FearMonarch]

this is why i love the older music. it was just as "dirty" as modern music, but so cleverly and masterfully hidden behind innuendos and interesting word play that you could listen to a song a hundred times without realizing what it was really about. and then when you finally realize what the whole songs about, you cant see how you missed it all along. class A act gentlemen! :D

[@tejaswoman]

That's exactly how I feel about a Salvadoran song called "El Muñeco" by Algodón. Several times into hearing this ditty about a guy and how his little "action figure," beloved by all the girls, is feeling under the weather today and can't lift his head, it suddenly hit me, "You know, this almost sounds dirty..." a few more times led to " I'm not sure it isn't" ... and now, of course, I think "how oblivious I was!"

[@lizziedavidson1987]

yeah, this was a huge metaphor for buying condoms for having sex with his girlfriend, but you wouldn't realise unless you were old enough to understand.

[@simonjohnwisntonlennonritc8978]

tejaswoman ooh jajaj! "El muneco" by Algodón is a really rogue song. "tengo el muneco enfermito" I really love all thad kind of music where the message is quite hidden...

[@Cenamark2]

***** I don't think this song is about that. He turned 16 and was wanting supplies for his birthday party.

[@lizziedavidson1987]

Cenamark2 from a chemist?

[@jamesboulger8705]

The way they move the saxophone and trumpet make it sound better, but we have no physical theory yet as to why.

[@SuperMrHiggins]

We need to get top people on this stat.

[@slacknhash]

@@SuperMrHiggins Well, I'm not a top person, but I'll try and help things along by proposing a hypothesis: it doesn't actually make it sound better. It does make it look better, though. Since it already sounds good, the overall result is qualitatively better. Basically nutty movements × nutty sound = optimum nuttiness. How would we go about testing and proving or disproving that, though? Can we get Carl to rejoin and test him and Lee against other saxophonist / trumpeter combos? Because testing them individually wouldn't give us particularly satisfactory results. The guy did say 'saxophone *and* trumpet.'

[@uhh6148]

@@slacknhash Quiet, nerd.

[@piter4595]

@@slacknhash it just sounds good dude

[@slacknhash]

@@piter4595 Obviously. I was just playing along with the previous comment.

[@voidmer5545]

perfect song to go through sen's fortress to

[@tenylegnincsevem]

+Charels Merritt so true

[@voidmer5545]

+tenylegnincsevem * steps on arrow pad in beginning of fortress * WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN

[@theoneandonlyranch4552]

SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE EAAAAAAAAAAAAATEEEEEEEEER

[@theoneandonlyranch4552]

***** *emotional ladder sequence*

[@Zero2689]

So original!

[@vladevgeni4024]

If this isn't the most British music video ever, I don't know what is. #madnessforthewin

[@erikhertzer8434]

Vlad Evgeni : Cardiac Arrest may be a close second...

[@erikhertzer8434]

Vlad Evgeni : Cardiac Arrest would be a contender...

[@aronroyle1523]

See Do It Again by The Kinks, equally good if not an influence.

[@flightlesslord2688]

This, God Save the Queen, Common People, London's Calling, Three Lions.... LITERALLY (used accurately) any Queen song.

[@user-xt3gt7gg9h]

Have you seen "driving in my car"?

[@mosesberkowitz3298]

This video was one of the Holy Grails when I was a teen. My brother and I always kept a blank VHS tape in our VCR, so if a cool video came on MTV, we could tape it. It was easy to get stuff like Spandau Ballet and Wham!, but MTV barely EVER played Madness or The Specials. For years, we could only catch pieces of this video-- it was our White Whale. Ghost Town by The Specials (where they're all driving in the car at night) was the other one. Seeing those was like seeing into a different, cooler world.

[@Cinemaphile7783]

Moses Berkowitz I did that too! MTV was a goldmine back then.

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

Yes! I felt the same way. MTV played all the popular, commercial hits. Rarely did they feature the good stuff from across the pond and beyond. I had to seek out random artsy, late night or UHF stations or college radio for fun new wave tracks or industrial music.

[@jarekharmening8993]

First time I heard/saw this song/video was on an old 90s Al TV MTV special a buddy of mine had recorded from years and years previously. I probably saw it back in mid-late 2000s for the first time.

[@pierricclot6544]

now everythings is available anytime....

[@Confuzledish]

You think Dark Souls is easy?

[@tammycrawford63]

Nope. It's hard as a goats face A GOATS FACE!

[@lzombieman]

what is dark souls

[@N0RTH335]

***** so this is...

[@mataburns]

Tom Northrup The dumb shits guide to dark souls

[@allstargrey]

Why did that guy stop making videos... It makes me sad they were solo gud

[@martam716]

LYRICS: Good morning miss Can I help you son? Sixteen today And up for fun I'm a big boy now Or so they say So if you'll serve I'll be on my way Box of balloons With the feather-light touch Pack of party-poppers That pop in the night A toothbrush and hairspray Plastic grin Miss Clay on all corners Has just walked in Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age Welcome to the house of fun Welcome to the lion's den Temptation's on his way Welcome to the House of N-n-n-no no miss You misunderstood Sixteen big boy Full pint in my manhood I'm up to date And the date's today So if you'll serve I'll be on my way Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age Welcome to the lion's den Temptation's on his way Welcome to the house of fun I'm sorry son But we don't stock Party gimmicks In this shop Try the House of Fun It's quicker if you run This is a chemist Not a jokers' shop! Party hats Simple enough clear Comprehend savvy understand Do you hear? A pack of party hats With the colored tips Too late! Gorgon's heard gossip Well hello Joe, hello Miss Clay Many happy returns from the day Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age Welcome to the house of fun Welcome to the lion's den Temptation's on his way Welcome to the house of fun Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age Welcome to the house of fun Welcome to the lion's den Temptation's on his way Welcome to the house of fun Welcome to the house of fun Now I've come of age Welcome to the house of fun ~U welcome~

[@ShitOwl]

bruh

[@maayandanino8952]

bruh

[@runyourpocketsg9811]

Bruh

[@sohankalirai8769]

bruh?

[@catgirlmatty]

bruh

[@muskyread]

First band I ever saw live. I was 11 and it was 1982. They were superb👌

[@dashthatonedude]

1982???

[@luketurner586]

Your first concert was 23 years before I was born

[@toonman1892]

I saw them in 83 in Newcastle, brilliant!!

[@hobbikats8744]

Saw them in 1982 in NYC at the Miller Time Concerts at the Pier. I was 14!

[@Tommorows-Dream]

First band i ever saw live aswell! I was also 11, except on their cest la vie tour, almost 40 years after you saw them!

[@sailorhms]

Always notice that in Madness videos there are folk in the background going about their business looking over, probably thinking..what the hell are they doing??? Shows the band just went onto the streets of London and got on with it...nothing of the...big head, don't you know who I am shit that is the norm in todays music business. Ahhh, I wish I was back there...I'm kinda teary watching these Madness vids.

[@GFSTaylor]

Alan Wright I love the random toddler who wanders into the open doorway of the shop and wondering what's going on here. Also the fact that they kept him in and didn't retake.

[@alfredkruse1517]

GFSTaylor Wait... He wan't supoosed to be there? I thought he was in there for some unknown purpose.

[@reddwarfer999]

@@GFSTaylor And somwhere there is a guy in his early 40s saying - That's me that is!

[@Appelmoes444]

That dance routine at 0:45 is so good, I always go into stores that way from now on...

[@karenkazam6215]

the young ones brought me here

[@IcePrincess751-kb9bq]

Loved that show as well!

[@karenkazam6215]

+IcePrincess751 shame about Rik mayal tho

[@karenkazam6215]

***** you haven't heard

[@karenkazam6215]

+vermilion J he died last year in June

[@karenkazam6215]

***** oh Lol

[@cyandinomashups]

I didn't know Gordon Ramsey could play a trombone.

[@yelladude6969]

underrated comment. WELL SOMEONE HAD TO SAY IT

[@wicknite1425]

My friend gordon ramsey is playing a trumpet

[@freddieparrydrums]

Ramsay?

[@DrumsTheWord]

Who else heard this song for the first time on "The Young Ones"?..."You hum it, and we're smash your face in"...

[@alpine_newt]

Yes. I think they were the only band on The Young Ones twice.

[@jgdsgh]

Alpine Newt Plays Games correct

[@robbwarren9451]

Not the first. But was happy they were there! Mike: it's madness? Cast: where? Mike: in the living room. Loved it.

[@hamishdow2188]

you know summer holiday by cliff richard?

[@hamishdow2188]

yup they did our house in the episode sick and this

[@swearwolfdj]

I love English reggae, ska and rocksteady. Thank you for your contribution. I love your music sooooooooo much

[@stockphotowhiteguy11]

I’m 16 in literally two minutes

[@bernardbrown3622]

happpy birthdaaaaay

[@stockphotowhiteguy11]

PONPOKOLA late thank youw

[@bernardbrown3622]

@@stockphotowhiteguy11 YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@stockphotowhiteguy11]

Alan Lee when wasn’t it weird and also what’s weird

[@mekiscool9422]

Alan Lee bruh what

[@evilhann]

Madness music videos are the most British thing ever

[@eleanorhogan8643]

And this whole video is great fun, I love the old ladies and the chemists dancing, everything in this video is funny.

[@jojohackney6911]

My first Saturday job was in that same chemist there in Paddington. ...Brown's chemist!

[@itsjemmabond]

Are you serious?

[@ianblack7006]

Fair play jojo 👍

[@Commonsense1458]

Madness videos were absolutely one of the best things about MTV back in the 80's when it was actually good!

[@jao2312]

I was born in 1984 and I want to thank my mum for bringing me up listening to this, 30 years later and it's still amazing...

[@rhythman69uk]

What's not to love about Madness?! : ) They could encapsulate the old fashioned joy of the fairground or circus arriving, the freaks, the silly costumes and almost registered trademark dance, their choreographed walks, superb songs and videos with random members of the public and that sax (which like Ian Anderson's flute, made Jethro Tull's sound unique). Such a defining sound of the 80's and hit after hit after hit. They were the soundtrack of my youth, even though I was drawn into Heavy Metal, I still love Madness and I love how us English manage to turn a sometimes dreary life into something fun like Monty Python did.

[@ricf9592]

I'm sorry son But we don't stock Party gimmicks In this shop Try the House of Fun It's quicker if you run This is a chemist Not a joke shop! Classic!

[@Potionette81]

Suggs was a cutie back in the day.

[@melgrant7404]

Gorgeous suggs❤❤

[@jamezz34]

Nope they don't have a single bad song. Not even an average one

[@lexij8069]

+jamezz34 well done , you get it !!!!

[@jimtom5011]

+SUE H whats yer fave song then Sue?

[@lexij8069]

Jim Tom That's a hard one to answer

[@jimtom5011]

SUE H True, they have that many amazing songs...

[@jimtom5011]

SUE H in the rain is my fave...

[@thewkovacs316]

best song about buying condoms....EVAH

[@justjay926]

Madness were a part of my youth. 😜 Thanks guys for happier times back then just listening & now remembering Thatcher's U.K. You helped make it bearable. 🎶👏👏

[@Ideabot_69]

I like this song because it really captures what it's like to become an adult. Before you enter the "funhouse" you really have no idea what to expect. If you felt like you'd done decently so far, in spite of all the unfair bullshit life has thrown at you, well you might get cocky and be punished for it almost immediately. If you've been barely scrapping by, you'll still struggle but even moreso as you're asked to do even more difficult tasks. Some days you'll feel people are just throwing rocks at you for laughs. Other days, well you might meet an interesting person who ends up being a friend for now. But, like with most of the friends you meet in life, you'll have this gnawing worry that this world with eat your friend alive. Other days, you'll feel like you were doing well balancing on a tightrope, only to be knocked off it. You'll feel like you've been chewed up and spit out, struck by lightning, shot repeatedly, and knocked off a skyscraper. But you persevere. You face greater obstacles, and increasingly difficult demands, and eventually you start climbing up and suddenly you see your first glimpse of the sun in what felt like ages. You continue to climb, higher and higher, until you face your greatest challenge yet. This is it, the culmination of your journey through this hell-hole they call a "funhouse." You start to think of all the people who are just entering this "funhouse" and the only way you can process the trauma is to laugh at it. You think about all the shit you've gone through, and you realize that's why they call it a "funhouse." But here you stand, about to face your greatest challenge. You steel your nerves and enlist the help of a friend. But then Tarkus solos the Iron Golem and you feel like he just stole your triumph, and then the creepy-ass fleshies take you to Anor Londo.

[@LasDesventurasdeVirus]

I've never seen adulthood that way.

[@argon7624]

Nah, better for sen's fortress

[@Name-wg4gt]

That first paragraph describes going through dark souls for the first time too

[@Ideabot_69]

+logan greenup That's the joke, the whole thing is describing Sen's Fortress as a metaphor for adulthood.

[@argon7624]

holy shit you're right. that entire thing describes sen's fortress

[@pennypay1]

Madness always seemed to have a blast making their videos.

[@davidrees1279]

Infectious isn't it? 🙂

[@richardsawyer5428]

Revisiting the Madness songs which, as a kid, some lyrics went right over my head. The songs are still well crafted and I understand them now.

[@MegaDiva1999]

I know...had no idea this was a song about safe sex and condoms ....

[@alertedcoyote7892]

This song plays in my head every time I go into Sen's Fortress.

[@walterbattista597]

Let me tell you something. FUCK Sens fortress.

[@Narkov96]

Made my Day :DD

[@TerroristTrey]

+Walter Battista I died less in Anor Londo(including S&O) then in Sen's funhouse.

[@alpine_newt]

It plays in my head when I buy prophylactics.

[@wasteofoxygen52yearsago]

Same

[@jackharper1655]

Sen's Funhouse heartily welcomes you (with daggers)!

[@trey3772]

Madness videos were never boring.

[@mummyforlife2792]

It's a masterpiece!!!! Legendary madness. The part at 0:23 [when the two guys follow Suggs into the chemist, doing a silly dance] is my favourite part!!!!!

[@sie4431]

That's an off license!

[@molkwi9077]

Sen's fortress be like:

[@_letstartariot]

Saw these guys at Edinburg’s Hogmanay Festival 2009-2010 when I was in Scotland. Ancient castles, fireworks, snow and hearing this song played live whilst in the arms of my lover/now husband is something I will always remember and cherish.

[@Toledo_Doodee]

The young ones anyone? 😁

[@flightlesslord2688]

Can't go wrong with madness. Absolutely classic. 0:46 give this kid a medal.

[@anneprocter]

I made a joke to my boss about how i always desperately wanted to know what this song was about because no one would tell me when i was a kid - she had no idea what it meant and had me explain it to her. i still cringe about it. love the song tho

[@Aidsking]

Biggest grin on my face through the entirety of this, man I bet they had so much fun making this, you can just tell.

[@mrsmchistory]

This is definitely 1 of my favourite Madness songs! Loved them singing in The Young Ones!

[@tsitracommunications2884]

I remember that it was what introduced me to the tune

[@AYTAZED]

​@@tsitracommunications2884. After rick says "do you know Living Doll?" to Chrissy boy, Chrissy Boy says to (P)rick "You hum it, I'll smash yer face in.

[@tsitracommunications2884]

@@AYTAZED i thought it was summer holiday

[@ferrylad]

I once worked In an off license, and let me tell you , if some bugger came in and started singing at me with his two trumpet playing mates, I would've phoned head office and demanded either a buzzer entry door or an automatic rifle,,I took no nonsense back in my Odd Bins days.

[@JohnQ1127]

It never made sense that Suggs is at a beer and wine shop to start this video. He should be at the Chemist (U.S. Pharmacy) to start the video. The whole song is about a 16 year old trying to buy condoms at the Chemist. There's a woman at the counter and he's embarrassed so he starts using slang terms like "balloons" or "party hats". Then one of his mom's friends comes into the story so he's more evasive and embarrassed. In the end the woman misunderstands his request and sends him to the joke shop (House of Fun).

[@karlx-1]

+JohnQ1127 That's a very good analysis. One of Madness' greatest songs.

[@JohnQ1127]

+Chris Hollinshead, Well, they did shoot the second verse in a chemist shop so it would seem easy to shot both verses there or at least open the song at the chemist shop. In the U.S. we never knew what the hell was going on in this song/video. We didn't understand the lyrics. There really wasn't anything like this type of music in the U.S. around 1981-1982. Most of us just thought these guys were crazy or on drugs or this was some type of bizarre comedy group. They never released "House of Fun" as a single in the U.S. but they would show this video in the early days of MTV. They became popular in the U.S. the following year (1983) when they released "Our House" and it became a hit. Then they released a compilation album called "Madness" which was collection of their best stuff from their first 3-4 albums. It's odd, in the U.S. they're basically perceived as a "One Hit Wonder" with "Our House" but in the U.K. they were a very big band from 1979-1985.

[@MrBoreray]

+JohnQ1127 ''it never makes sense''- really? on a MADNESS vid ?

[@RENCHANDBASS]

in the uk I think there available in corner shops off-licence

[@KoWakashi]

JohnQ1127 in england you can walk into any shop even a petrol station just to buy condoms we dont usually buy them from a pharmacy like in america

[@davidjereb]

0:53 I'm totally pulling this wicked dance move next time I go to the club.

[@Bare72]

Sorry man I almost pissed myself from laughing so hard. I saw the dance. LMAO!!!!!

[@lukethekanefan]

be careful women will be surrounding you in a few seconds of pulling that awesomeness

[@PunkRockNerd10171]

That move is called the Moonstomp. Like with Skanking, big move with the ska music of the time

[@flightlesslord2688]

Do that and you'll need to visit the house of fun (cause ull be getting all da... respectable ladies)

[@HM2SGT]

*And people say it's impossible to do too much drugs*

[@LaDracul]

I was happy to hear this in "Shaun the Sheep the Movie". :D

[@flightlesslord2688]

wait, why was Shaun the Sheep buying condoms

[@CasualChaoz]

Amazed to see so many people from Dumbshits guide to Dark Souls here XD

[@zerogbot23]

+Jon Alexander Taylor This is where i come to mourn the loss of Wildpie

[@ironfreakingtarkus3853]

+Scott W.G.D HE'S NOT DEAD

[@CasualChaoz]

No he isn't, he's just having a ton of trouble with the framerate in The Painted World Of Ariamis

[@zerogbot23]

+Jon Alexander Taylor *Mournful tears* he was so young

[@NishaPerson]

+Jon Alexander Taylor I wonder how long it will take him to fix it.

[@alexanderdahoola8188]

Didn't realize the song was actually about buying condoms, lol.

[@jakke0272]

Think Dark Souls is easy?

[@thenewguy5752]

Aye sinwae

[@Smil3yril3y01]

for dumbshits yeah

[@TheSilverWolf1998]

It's easy when you keep backups of your save file :P

[@guimaralv]

Hahahahahaha

[@miqqe93]

+Ayentey AHHA YEP

[@thehackerboy7581]

What people think: It's about were he asks for some party gimmicks and he accidentally goes into a chemist. What actually happens: He is going in a chemist asking for condoms... 😣😰

[@Ocker3]

Because he's next going to the House of Fun/the Lion's Den, I wonder where that is? ;)

[@shaundybell1279]

It's ABOUT BIRDS AN THEYLL ALWAYS BE THE HOUSE FUN WEN YOUR STARTIN TO TRYIN TO GET YOUR NUTS IT IS A LIONS DEN

[@The_Rizz_Lord_]

Ha ha I grew up in the 80's. Saw these bands on tv all the time. Cool times. Everyone was angry and poor. But there was a lot of spirit and strength and normality. We enjoyed having simple things în life and of course the music. Much better times without mobile phones or social media. And zero viral influencers. Everybody had to work hard to make a living.

[@Tanzadog1]

by 0:37 the chemist girl seems to be bopping along to the song :)

[@juliette1705]

I found my dad's walkman and listened to this, I'm so happy i did, bc I love it

[@k31ra_39]

You know the actual meaning behind this song right? I was practically raised by madness

[@stutron1]

GUYS IT TOOK ME 90274925371528 YEARS TO REALISE HE WAS TALKING ABOUT CONDOMS⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️

[@lightningandodinify]

dark souls lol

[@leyley2137]

*Dumbshit's guide to Dark Souls Episode 10 - Sen's Fortress*

[@pietruh13pl]

+Scout Yeah! :D

[@jerec1267]

+Scout 20. get a warm funhouse welcome 38. pick the wrong fight 54. fuck it up miserably 55.make it this time, or not 89. omnomnomnomnomnomnom

[@ollikoskinen1]

+MomoTheBellyDancer He's referring to a trollish playthrough guide of a video game named Dark Souls. A part of this song was used in one of its episodes. The episode covered a level 'Sen's Fortress', a labyrinth full of traps, a real house of fun.

[@pietruh13pl]

***** XD

[@Louvidion]

+Scout i smoked pot

[@ottodavis-octane3839]

Me: Gets killed in Sen's Fortress Madness: WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN!

[@davidhunter1574]

MADNESS till I die suggs and the nutty boys will always be my number 1👑😁

[@lexij8069]

+David Hunter yesssss!

[@megansharma-bradley8813]

David Hunter yasss

[@ConorsAviationVideos]

The real meaning of this song flew over every American's head....

[@calblack4156]

One eggplant cover please

[@keriannandrews7362]

This just shows how much fun the eighties was great era

[@joemars6503]

A principios de los 80 los escuché por primera vez sin saber que serían la banda sonora de mi vida. Hoy a mis 50 me siguen haciendo feliz.

[@JK-dz8pn]

How can you top this? Even after all these years it is still bloody amazing! Everything about this track and the band. I was only a young lad back in those days but even I knew they were something special :D

[@clkgrt]

sens fortress lobby song

[@SirFerrickWanderer]

I love how the chemist appears to still be in business while this video runs. The kid who walks in and stares at them, the old guy whose trying to get to something at the cashier as they dance next to him. Not sure if they were planned, but it just continues the feeling of madness in this song.

[@SolidIncMedia]

Nobody dances like Suggs, that's for sure.

[@hopebgood]

He "moves" in a very distinctive way! I bumped into him at a very early On-U gig and he saw me sort of recognising him but I wasn't sure who it was, but he saw my "I know you" look and he just gave me a wink & a nod and I was like "Oh, its Suggs!"

[@solstie]

Words can not describe how much i love the first 5 seconds of this video

[@Tigs2]

Because when we were kids that is exactly how we were!

[@CalebJaram-x7f]

All the proof that the white British is the craziestly happy lot aha (I'm one)

[@Tommorows-Dream]

Thinking about grabbing those last minute tickets for the show in Aberdeen, Ill come back to this comment section if i do. Just dont wanna miss out on the chance of seeing them live Edit: I went. It was the best fucking night of my life.

[@TheHimbeerjoghurt]

Anyone here because of the dumbshit guide to dark souls or is it just me?

[@agent-utd]

Who else is here on their sixteenth birthday?

[@TommyCullen-VacuumConnisour]

i always used to sing this song in the car back in the day when i was younger wondering why my dad laughed every time, coming back to this song 7 years later i now can see why... The Song Is 100% about Condoms.

[@lisac8101]

Seen them live, phenomenal, felt like I was 14 again.

[@kennyboy4401]

no band sounds more English. . the soundtrack to my 80's childhood .

[@kennyboy4401]

@not_a_bug_but_a_feature Hehe....

[@UnderdarkTrans]

POV: You have unlocked Sen's Fortress