MADNESS - GREY DAY

Released: April 17, 1981

Charted:  UK: #4 

"Grey Day" is a song written by Mike Barson, first single released from the band's third studio album “7”. It was a big departure from their early ska sound with a much darker feel. The song title does not appear in the lyrics as a single phrase, although a couplet rhyming "grey" with "day" features in the chorus.

Madness consistently delved into the everyday struggles of working-class life in England, and "Grey Day" is no exception. Lead singer Suggs adopts the perspective of an individual worn down by life, facing yet another dreary and mundane day. The song poignantly captures feelings of despair, disillusionment, loneliness, and frustration that resonate with the challenges people encounter in their daily lives. It serves as a commentary on the overlooked struggles within a society that may dismiss or underestimate the difficulties faced by its individuals.

The origins of "Grey Day" trace back to the band's early days as The North London Invaders, where guitarist Chris Foreman recalled the initial version as a '60s psychedelic piece lacking structure and lyrics. Despite early skepticism about its commercial viability, the song evolved into a poignant and resonant commentary on the human experience.

Madness recorded "Grey Day" and the rest of the album in the Bahamas for "tax reasons," sharing the neighborhood with Clash frontman Joe Strummer. Lead singer Suggs remembered a significant moment when he asked Strummer to play "Grey Day" while he was DJing, hoping for recognition beyond the energetic tunes they were known for. However, Strummer declined to spin the track.

The music video for "Grey Day" was filmed in March 1981 at Bowmans shop window on Camden High Street and on an open-top bus touring London, featuring their famous nutty train walk. An early setback occurred when the initial two days of black-and-white filming were ruined during development. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, providing the band with valuable rehearsal time in front of the film crew.