McFly - The Ballad Of Paul K

McFly - The Ballad Of Paul K

[@alexthepensmith6101]

The "Wonderland" album on a whole, whilst brilliant, remains a tricky one to unpick. There's not many pop bands who deliver something quite so ambitious for their second album as McFly did ("She Falls Asleep" is like their "Stairway to Heaven"). They pulled it off for the most part, but I'm not surprised that this still remains one of their lesser performing singles chart wise; in the context of the album as a whole and the lyrical themes it tackled, "The Ballad of Paul K" makes complete sense. But for the wider public who had bought into "5 Colours", "Obviously" and the technicolour bright imagery and sound of that first album, it was a very sharp about turn from what people knew and loved them for, more so this being released just before Christmas as a single. It didn't fully work in a commercial sense, a song about alcoholic absent fathers sits completely at odds with what does well at that time of year. They've spoken about this period of their career in great depth (Tom especially who was, undiagnosed, suffering from depression at the time, dying his hair black to boot) and whilst commercially it might not have worked creatively they pulled off such a bold risk take. The sign of a truly great band.

[@mioraralison8170]

my favourite album of them. Also, it reminds me a bit of Weeze's Pinkerton

[@janelletherese5865]

beautiful analysis of one of my fav albums! where did you hear about tom suffering from depression during this time? would love to hear it.

[@alexthepensmith6101]

​@@janelletherese5865 If you read their book "Unsaid Things" he speaks quite openly about it and how he was difficult to be around during the promotion and touring of the album. Him and Harry in particular didn't get on at this time.

[@natisinvisible]

This is one of my favorite songs of theirs. I still think Wonderland was their best album. Amazing video too.

[@MinjaSamardzicMusic]

agree!:)

[@charlottesometimes07]

I always loved Danny's voice. Very manly and perfect tune. Love the song

[@GNRforever18]

Such a sad song. sometimes you think about it and realize that many people is in a situation similar to Paul K's. This is a real sad world

[@charlotted1321]

Wonderland was an absolutley beautiful album, Tom and Danny s songwriting is somethin else, so glad they're back

[@adebolaadebowale7592]

sad how their songs now cant compare to their old albums

[@jaazdelgaado1259]

This song makes me feel so depressed, but I love it.

[@LiquoriceandSpice]

I simply love the song and video! It says a lot about mid-life crises. McFly are an underrated band. I know they have many fans all over the world, but not enough people respect the music they make and simply think of them as a poppy teen band. This song proves how much thought goes into their music.

[@rhiannafinn4719]

as much as I love mcbusted, listening to this album and watching the old videos makes me really miss the old days!

[@Graveyard151]

Tom said in an interview that after Christmas, McFly is coming back. I love McFly but I will miss McBusted

[@lozzaloveheart7046]

Graveyard151 he said that last year too. Christmas what year? Year 3000?

[@Graveyard151]

Lozza Loveheart yeah. Now I heard that they're working on a second McBusted album so my hopes have dropped. Tom is a lier

[@leigharmstrong1769]

+Graveyard151 the magazine tricked us don't call Tom a liar the part where it said mcfly are coming back after Christmas was not in speech marks which means the magazine just added that bit, probably trying to twist his words. However I do know how you feel I want mcfly back too and I want to hear album 6! anyway Christmas isn't hear yet so don't go saying it's not true just yet I guess we'll just have to wait and see. and also the mcbusted second album thing that was also a magazine making up stuff again. so I guess we don't know who to trust.

[@TheBooshBabe]

2:23 - 2:42 Powerful message about pushing away loved ones because of depression or other issues

[@EditorOfSL]

Actually the song is about getting older and going through a mid-life crisis. It’s based on a couple of their dads.

[@alexmaxmam788]

Anyone knows why this song is not it not in their top? Today I was shocked to find one of my favorate mid-age (20-25) songs to be in the mid of McFly songs! Never intrest this 13 years ago as was shure that this is one of the best they did. Absolutly turned-over in mind now... Listen Ballad for five time in a row just now... and... fXXk... this is still absolutley brillian!! This one McFly could proud of more than many!!!! And this will not gone from my play list even sins... decade... I listen to top now... and would'n add them. But never delete this. Guys you were unlucky to screw one of the best songs!!!!

[@mialuk]

2023!, this song is still good

[@dinosaursandspace]

this video always creeps me out but i love it i hope mcfly have some meaningful songs like this and others on their new album

[@U2QuoZepplin]

This video is artistically brilliant! I wonder how many awards it won.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

I forget how brilliant the song sounds too, with the combination and contrasts between the band members voices. I think someone knows a thing or two about harmonising too.

[@morcio]

The first time I listened to this song, I was like 13-14 years old and was like... oh yeh, another song... but now I'm 29 years old and this song is like... my real life... fuck.

[@changsubber]

time flies so fast... it’s 2019 and we haven’t had a mcfly album since 2010

[@grace.reynolds]

chang soup And a month later they start releasing their Lost Songs 😁

[@caitybarre]

i find this to be one of the most unique music videos EVER! and the song is SO good!

[@melissareyna5338]

This song reminds me so much to my dad.

[@alexmaxmam788]

Once it reminds dad... soon it wood be me in some parts...

[@YoItsDudechillz]

Been listening this song since 2013 and still never get bored. Esspecially with message inside the lyric of this masterpiece

[@Charlieparliee]

First time I heard this song it made me cry...Gotta love McFly Saw them live september 21st 2009, it was great!

[@TheVikkiee]

this was one of my favorite songs on the album and still got to admit i love it

[@DoeiDenise]

Coming back to this song after hearing Tonight is the Night

[@FabiooPRC]

The lyrics of the song are beautiful, a real lesson

[@AngusJones]

it isnt a scary video like all the people are saying but the story is so sad especialy the last scene but brilliant song. remember when i listened to this for the 1st time when i was 4 years old, its been 10 years and it still hasnt got old

[@echodge49]

Stop making me feel old!!! I was 19 when this came out :(

[@AngusJones]

haha sorry

[@ChristopherJames1993]

The band members say that the video scares them a bit cause it's like a Tim Burton movie.

[@PetitePerson]

"He used to smile now he frowns" reminds me of Nathan. I really wish he would smile more cuz he has such a nice smile.

[@theSnufflekins]

Always been one of my favourite McFly songs

[@veronicacampos8531]

Still hearing this song in 2015♥

[@alexmaxmam788]

2020

[@millie777777]

The background to the song is incredible, but a slightly scary video.

[@bazzascot]

Mcfly ballads are always much better than their uptempo affairs

[@leigharmstrong1769]

Looks like a Tim Burton Movie

[@lunatoon013]

i love the harmony that starts at 1:23 idk why but it really stands out from their other harmonies

[@solikejojo116]

Interesting video, must have watched it like 30 times but it never gets old. Everybody keeps saying the masks are stupid but I like them in this song, not saying McFly should wear masks more often but they were just something different. Danny's look at :21 is creepy but awesome, I LOVE it! And :24 - :26 Dougie and Harry look so lost, lol.

[@annegarcia27]

I LOVE THIS! Still listening to this in 2012 til 2013 and so on. Amazing!

[@dougiepoynter2011]

Every Night Before I Go To Sleep I Always Think To Myself Why Do I Love These Guys Its Videos Like These That Made Me Fall In Love With Them About 8 Years Ago xx

[@demiphantom]

This is the least well-known single they've ever released, but I honestly thought it was one of their best... =P The video is really captivating too. =)

[@kidrainbowskittles]

thumbs up for listening in 2011.

[@frankbarry975]

LOVE THIS SONG IT WAS INSIDE MY HEAD FOR A LONG TIME AND THE VIDEO IS JUST BRILLIANT TOO

[@eleanor7739]

Never knew there was music to this song! :) Pleasantly surprised, but this song still makes me emotional. ♥

[@1999TheThriller]

this has got to be one of my fav mcfly songs

[@Taverntomfoolers]

I love the rhythm of this song

[@alicelornamitchell9437]

dont worry dougie. ive read the book and i know hte reason for the song is partly because of your dad. ive been through it. you just have the talent to write the song and get it in the charts x love you dougie and love you mcfly

[@Sam4More]

Best McFly song ever.

[@sup9412]

Danny makes me melt in this song!

[@sonofatwitch82]

This is haw I feel right now Lockdown has hit me hard. I'm disabled and 38yo I feel now that I will never find love at my age and condition.

[@jessicabaird]

I love this band & this song & everything about them! They are just completly amazing!

[@MarcieMckim13]

Fav McFly song. Hands down.

[@karenfagu659]

He's drinking cold Corona Feels like he's getting older Now and noticing how he's finding Grey hairs left in the shower Tattoos fade by the hour And he can't understand these feelings Why life is getting him down He used to smile now he frowns And cries inside Its been this way for a while And he can't seem to put things right When life has been unkind And you're losing your mind Look in the mirror afraid of what you'll find It feels like time's not on your side He doesn't like to mention Applying for his pension So his children don't know he's heading Into a mid-life crisis He can't afford the prices for The new kitchen floor he's buying He's been a drunk all his life Two kids, a dog and a wife He doesn't know And in the daytime he just sits and watches television shows When life has been unkind And you're losing your mind Look in the mirror afraid of what you'll find It feels like time's not on your side Don't know why but somehow The ones you love you hate now, You feel down and blue Look at what you've thrown away They stood beside you all the way Now its too late, its too late for you When life has been unkind And you're losing your mind Look in the mirror afraid of what you'll find It feels like time's not on your side Compositores: Daniel Alan Jones / Dougie Lee Poynter / Thomas Michael Fletcher Letras de The Ballad of Paul K © Universal Music Publishing Group

[@angelicadasilvavalente5464]

thanks

[@xxxtickledpinkxxx]

I for one love this vid! It reminds me of Keane's Bedshaped video - they have a similar feel!

[@mol_olivia]

This scared me in 2006... but I love it now.... It has so many feels

[@marysweeney4009]

Who else came here because of Tom's Vlog? I had to listen to the song after he mentioned it

[@carlyforder-westwood7944]

me too

[@leigharmstrong1769]

ditto

[@Monkey10908]

im addicted to this song!!!

[@gabrielpecci1653]

12 years old, amazing..

[@RedKingCommandz]

:) it's nice to know that some people, even girls, still appreiciate their music and not just their looks

[@maa6817]

Love this song, but is so sad.

[@Hmmhattricker]

Very good song, it's so sad...

[@FrozTK]

i love this song & video :) there so sweet and sad. & tom's got such an amazing voice. xx

[@Reirachan72]

I love this song *w* She's beautiful, but sad too ^^" I love the clip too Ths universe... Colors in a black mind :] Amazing feelings in this song

[@dustypiglet]

Wow. Can't believe this didn't get any "Best Video" award.

[@OliviaSBee]

This song bring back memories x :)

[@irene4397]

Still one of my favorite songs

[@violetgirl1996]

one of my fave mcfly music videos!! :D

[@XxdearbhlaxX]

This video is so cool.all the guys still manage to look incredibly hot behind thier masks!!class song!

[@U2QuoZepplin]

I hope they paid the director/writer well.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

This video still blows me away, from an artistic point of view.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

This was such a good album for them too, with so many cracking songs. I'm not sure they've beaten it with subsequent stuff either , even getting together with their former Busted pals?

[@U2QuoZepplin]

Is the use of the words Coca-rolla, some kind've means of avoiding having to pay somesort of royalties to the sugary caramel and carbon based soft drinks company of a similar sounding name

[@U2QuoZepplin]

oh thank's ..... Good to know.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

not at all... YOU' re welcome.

[@durhamsshadybean]

It's by a guy called Corin Hardy. He did the Guillemots - Annie Let's Not Wait amongst some others. Met him this summer, top chap.

[@MissCaraHughes]

This Song Is My New Addiction..

[@1jackiea]

Cool !!!!Love You Paul K xxx

[@apt3bnj]

i don't know why but with this song, mcfly reminds me the beatles

[@jammo111]

Heard it on Kareoke a while ago. Now love it. Thanks Maynard :-)

[@SuckYourJohnson]

Love, Love, LOVE this song

[@chiise]

I reaaaally love this song

[@wo0o0pita]

No, im listening this in 2O12! :D And i will till i die! Galaxy Defenders Stay forever! :3

[@kayla0453]

Karen Lz still a galaxy defender?

[@XGangstaxHannieX]

This is the good mcflyyyy the old stuff

[@welovemyns]

wow.. this song is really awesome... just for me

[@dancingqueen1218]

one of my favorite mcfly songs. i hadnt watched the video in a while, but its really interesting and sets them apart from the rest

[@eemilienilsson]

I LOVE THIS SONG!

[@Pixiedori]

Aww i felt sorry for the bloke in the video! Mcfly are just so powerful you see :) Awesome song

[@sahina91]

i haven't seen thios video since 2006 wow! i never thought it was this amazing! i want those masks!

[@pinayrin1]

That was out of the ordinary XD I love it! So creative! The song and video are really amazing! But its a sad song.

[@MarionTLS]

This made my day. :') I love that Mcfly.

[@violetgirl1996]

one of my all-time fave music videos!! lol

[@geegers22]

amazing video!!! gota love it

[@Jenthom94]

I thought that both Dougie and Danny wrote this song about their dads and how they where just able to leave their families with no word, and it was 'Don't Know Why' was purely just about Danny's dad.

[@b0kudan]

what a sad song. still. MCFLY is the best!

[@freire2tais]

I'm listening this in 2013 too :] Is sad, but it's real. And definately cool

[@sahina91]

13 years wow. Memories

[@rooyackerskamps]

@LiquoriceandSpice i totally agree..mcfly have brought back to life an old rock n' roll kind of style you can't easily find in today's industry...i think their contribution is quite important and yet they're not as recognized for that as they should be..

[@susanlowther7581]

Hadn't really given the lyrics of this a thought until I read Unsaid Things, the McFly autobiography. Powerful stuff!

[@Honey_Black_Tea]

2019?

[@matte4562]

FUCK of you fucking nonse

[@heleenuke]

love this song!!:)...and love tom's and danny's voices...plus this video is coom:D

[@holsmells484]

im lovin this song at the mo i think its underrated!

[@iloveyou91792]

i love all their videos. sooo creative!

[@TessaArntz]

love this video!

[@xxhxxrxxkxx]

i adore this song. im seeing mcfly soon :D

[@KimberButtons]

When Danny and Tom start singing in harmony? This song is amazing.

[@1999TheThriller]

beautiful song.........

[@RachellYahya]

me too, lmao. I forgot about this song and nath reminded me bless that boy

[@mcflyluvr159]

i love the song!!! sad video :(

[@sweetascandy91]

I LOVE 02.31-02.43 I don't know what to do, I'm weak..

[@alwaysknowingit13]

Oh, how I love this video. This was the first mcFly that I had ever seen on this day two years ago. I couldn't even tell who from who with the masks on!

[@PuppetMo92]

When I listen this song (& knowing the meaning of it) I want to hug Danny...

[@hpgirl101234567]

this video scares me but how can u not like its mcfly i will like anything they do