"I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats

Song#:  0031
Date:  02/02/1980
Debut:  91
Peak:  73
Weeks:  5
Genre:  New Wave, Punk, Indie Rock



Pop Bits:  The Rats were far more popular in the UK where they had three Top 10 albums and two #1 hits, including this one. Leader Bob Geldoff (of Band Aid and Live Aid fame) wrote this in the US after reading a telex at a radio station about the shooting spree of a 16-year-old girl on an elementary school that resulted in the killing two adults and injuries to nine children and one officer. When asked why she did it she said "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." Geldoff latched onto the quote and created the song based on the news story.

ReduxReview:   I remember hearing this on the radio and loving it - and not knowing the back story at all. The song is very theatrical and that is probably what attracted me to it. The melody sounds so innocent (probably meant to reflect the age of the shooter and the victims) but when you know the story and follow the lyrics it become sad and a bit horrific. I still love it, but frankly it is the only Boomtown Rats song I like. They are not my cup o' tea.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  The song was a hit in many countries with the exception of the US. This was most likely the result of backlash here where the tragedy took place (San Diego). Most radio stations refused to play it due to the sensitivity surrounding the tragedy and there was also an unsuccessful lawsuit by the family of the shooter to keep the song from being released in the States. The controversy kept it from being a true chart hit, but it soon became a staple on rock radio playlists - and the Rats only US chart song.

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