We conclude a mini-series of upbeat songs about mental health with perhaps the most bizarre of all, a 1966 novelty hit song by the producer and singer songwriter Jerry Samuels, who also worked with, among others, Sammy Davis Jr. Starting with a marching beat, winding up into manic laughter and talking about men in white coats and funny farms isn't really the most politically correct way to talk about these issues, but this was 1966 and it's as much a comedy record as anything else, but the causes are timeless. The narrator seems to be addressing a partner who has left them, or possibly even a pet dog, and been driven into this state by emotional turmoil and loneliness. Arguably the song, like the titular leader in his later decline, could aptly be applied to current political leaders in different parts of the world, the decisions and announcements they make, and the media that surrounds and supports them.
Remember when you ran away and I got on my knees and begged you not to leave because I'd go berserk?
Well, you left me anyhow and then the days got worse and worse and now you see I've gone completely out of my mind
And, they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
They're coming to take me away, ho, ho, hee, hee, ha, ha
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats
And they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
You thought it was a joke and so you laughed, you laughed when I had said that losing you would make me flip my lid, right?
You know you laughed
I heard you laugh, you laughed, you laughed and laughed and then you left but now you know I'm utterly mad
And, they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
They're coming to take me away, ho, ho, hee, hee, ha, ha
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
I cooked your food, I cleaned your house and this is how you pay me back for all my kind unselfish loving deeds, huh?
Well, you just wait, they'll find you yet
And when they do, they'll put you in the A. S. P. C. A, you mangy mutt
And, they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
They're coming to take me away, ho, ho, hee, hee, ha, ha
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats
And they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they're coming to take me away, ha, ha
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to see those nice young men ...
Want to suggest songs for Song of the Day or to say anything about it? Does this song make you think of something else? Then feel free to comment below, on the contact page, or on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube. Please subscribe, follow and share.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...