Madness - House of Fun Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who wrote the song 'House of Fun' by Madness?

   'House of Fun' was credited to Mike Barson and Lee Thompson, members of the band Madness. However, contributions from other band members also shaped the song's development.

2. What is the significance of the chorus in 'House of Fun'?

   The chorus 'Welcome to the house of fun' was added after the initial recording when Dave Robinson, head of Stiff Records, suggested the need for a catchy refrain. Mike Barson quickly composed it on his piano. This addition significantly impacted the song's structure and appeal.

3. Why does the singer mention being '16 today and up for fun' in 'House of Fun'?

   The line emphasizes that the protagonist has just reached the age of 16, which is significant as it is legally recognized as an age of consent in many jurisdictions, including the UK. This detail sets up the context for his visit to a chemist to buy condoms, highlighting his coming-of-age experience.

4. What challenges did Madness face during production of 'House of Fun'?

   During production, technical limitations posed challenges when integrating new elements like the chorus into already recorded tracks. The word 'Welcome' was initially cut off due to editing issues, requiring lead singer Suggs to overdub it to correct this glitch.

5. How did 'House of Fun' perform commercially upon its release?

   'House of Fun' was released on May 14, 1982 and achieved great success by reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. It remained on the chart for nine weeks. When re-released in 1992, it reached number 40.