Frontman Danny Elfman's older brother, Richard, actually started the band, later handing leadership down to his brother once he decided directing was his way to go. This hyperkinetic New Wave band is characterized by their manic live performances and eclectic range of songs, Elfman and the band performed for a remarkable twenty years. The Californian band, a paired-down version of the theatrical troupe The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, released eight major albums and two live compilations, each containing songs that varied from fast-paced ska to soulful jazz to emotional rock to off-kilter pop. Their style can best be defined as "undefinable." Now mostly known for their frequent contribution to movie soundtracks (including their most succesful song "Weird Science") Oingo Boingo formally broke up in 1995 after their last Halloween live concert; the reason being that 'it was time.' Since the band's dissolution, frontman Danny Elfman has continued to find success in his career writing film scores, particularly in collaboration with director Tim Burton; he almost exclusively employs Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek as orchestrator. His film scores have included Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Good Will Hunting, Men in Black, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, Big Fish, and dozens more.
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Only A Lad Lyrics
Oingo Boingo
Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell
Everyone said if you dont get straight
Youll surely go to hell
But johnny didnt care
He was an outlaw by the time that he was
Ten years old
He didnt wanna do what he was told
Just a prankster, juvenile gangster
His teachers didnt understand
They kicked him out of school
At a tender early age
Just because he didnt want to learn things
(had other interests)
He liked to burn things
The lady down the block
She had a radio that johnny wanted oh so bad
So he took it the first chance he had
Then he shot her in the leg
And this is what she said
Only a lad
You really cant blame him
Only a lad
Society made him
Only a lad
Hes our responsibility
Only a lad
He really couldnt help it
Only a lad
He didnt want to do it
Only a lad
Hes underprivileged and abused
Perhaps a little bit confused
His parents gave up they couldnt influence his attitude
Nobody could help
The little man had no gratitude
And when he stole the care
Nobody dreamed that he would
Try to take it so far
He didnt mean to hit the poor man
Who had to go and die
It made the judge cry
Only a lad
He really couldnt help it
Only a lad
He didnt want to do it
Only a lad
Hes underprivileged and abused
Perhaps a little bit confused
Its not his fault that he cant believe
Its not his fault that he cant behave
Society made him go astray
Perhaps if were nice hell go away
Perhaps hell go away
Hell go away
(repeat chorus)
Hey there johnny you really dont fool me
You get away with murder
And you think its funny
You dont give a damn if we live or if we die
Hey there johnny boy
I hope you fry!