The Milkman Of Human Kindness

Album: Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy (1983)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This love song is the opening track from English Alternative Rock singer-songwriter Billy Bragg's debut album, Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy. Bragg was still working at an all-night petrol station when he got his first break, courtesy of BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel. The young musician heard Peel mention on-air that he was hungry and Bragg rushed to the BBC with a mushroom biryani. In gratitude the influential BBC broadcaster played this track but at the wrong speed. Peel then told his listeners, "I would have played it anyway" and later played it again at the correct speed.

Comments: 1

  • Anne from Hartford, CtThe fact above is interesting and true. Why is this same passage also incorrectly posted as the lead fact for Bragg's song A New England? I learned this story through Bragg's awesome podcast, which is available on his website in the Music section.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?