Johnny Ryall

Album: Paul's Boutique (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a homeless man Mike Diamond often came across - Johnny Ryall really did hang out on the stoop outside of his apartment. Unlike most songs about the destitute, this one is pure observation with no judgment; the Beasties simply tell his story, how he claimed to be a rockabilly star and was always looking for a dollar and a drink. It's clear they have respect for Mr. Ryall, as they rap: "He's no less important than you working class stiffs."
  • Like most of the tracks on Beastie Boys' second album Paul's Boutique, this one has a bunch of samples. The rhythm is based on "Sharon," a 1972 track by David Bromberg. Other songs that show up include:

    "One Of These Days" by Pink Floyd
    "Momma Miss America" by Paul McCartney
    "Magnificent Sanctuary Band" by Donny Hathaway
    "Military Cut-Scratch Mix" by DJ Grand Wizard Theodore
    "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight (in the "Johnny Ryall who do you think you are?" line)
  • In the Beastie Boys Book there's a photo of Johnny Ryall with a Def Jam Records jacket. The Beastie Boys were signed to the label and given those jackets as swag, and Mike D gave his to Ryall. According to Mike, when Def Jam head Russell Simmons saw Ryall wearing it, he was none too pleased - he didn't want Def Jam associated with homeless people.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.