Mad, Bad And Dangerous To Know


[discography | gallery]

The Cross 'Mad, Bad And Dangerous To Know'

Released 26 March 1990, but did not chart.
Later re-released in November 2013 as a download, and as part of the Roger Taylor boxed set 'The Lot'.
Album length 44:26.

Tracklisting:
1. Top Of The World Ma
2. Liar
3. Closer To You
4. Breakdown
5. Penetration Guru
6. Power To Love
7. Sister Blue
8. Foxy Lady (CD only track)
9. Better Things
10. Passion For Trash
11. Old Men (Lay Down)
12. Final Destination


Non-Album Tracks:
In Charge Of My Heart

Demos:
Celebration
I Can Take You Higher
I Can't Get You Out Of My Head

 

Produced by The Cross and Justin Shirley-Smith
Engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith
Mastered by Kevin Metcalfe at The Townhouse Studios
Recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, September-November 1989

Roger Taylor: lead vocals, guitar and backing vocals
Spike Edney: keyboards, mandolin and backing vocals
Peter Noone: bass and backing vocals
Clayton Moss: lead guitar, lead vocals on 'Better Things' and backing vocals
Joshua J. Macrae: drums, percussion and backing vocals

Management: Jim Beach and Gerry Stickells
Band coordinator: Martin 'the chuckler' Groves
Artwork and sleeve design: Stephen Bliss and Richard Gray
Photography: Paul Rider

 

Singles:


Top Of The World Ma


Track 1. Written by The Cross. Length 3:30.
Alternate Versions:
1. Extended Version (7:39) (on the 'Singles 2' album and 'The Lot' boxed set only; this was produced for a single release which did not happen)
Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (4:16) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
2. Live In Germany (5:03) (recorded in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 21 October 1991)

Lyrics:
Alright
I'm on top of the world ma, on top of the world
You know I got me a girl ma, she makes my kiss curl curl
She got some kind of witch craft, and it's a working on me
What you get ma, is what you see

She's a voodoo child when she weaves her spell
Gonna send me dancing to the gates of hell

Oh
Is this the end of the world ma, is this the end of the world
I think I'm losing control ma, you know my head's in a whirl
She got her own kind of voodoo, and it's a working on me
Oh when we get gymnastic, huh, oooh-eee

Well she can make me rock, she can really roll
She makes me mad, bad and dangerous to know
So pissed
Ow
Down

She's a voodoo child, she's a living doll
She can crack the sky, watch the angels fall

I'm on top of the world ma, I'm on top of the world
I'm on top of the world ma, on top of the world
I'm on top of the world
On top of the world ma
I'm on top of the world

I'm on top of the world
On top of the world, ma
Now I love you honey, I'm on top of the world

Liar


Track 2. Written by Peter Noone. Length 4:29.
Alternate Versions:
1. Single Version (3:19) (on all formats of the single, the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set; remixed, with a more immediate start and earlier fade)
2. Extended Version (6:30) (on the 12" and CD singles, the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set)

Live Versions:
1. Live Promo Video (3:30) (recorded in Nürnberg, Germany, on 4 June 1990; available on the DVD in 'The Lot' boxed set only)
2. Bootleg (5:24) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)

Lyrics: (the single version loses the lyrics in red)
Hey

When my lady walks in the room
The lights come on to her sweet perfume
I didn't know the devils by her side
There I stood, I had nothing to hide

My love could teach the blind to see
My love's the wildest mystery
My love said she'd be the one
Now I know
Baby you're a liar
You're a liar

I wasn't watching for the danger signs
And I never read between the lines
She says 'c'mon boy can you do your thing'
So I turned around still wondering

When my love dances she makes me cry
My love dances with me tonight
My love said she'd be the one
Now I know
Baby you're a liar, oh
You're a liar
A liar, hit it
But I'm still burning with desire

With the look of a panther
I got lost in the jungle
Now I can't help myself again
I can't help myself
Baby you're a liar

That's why I love you
(Liar)

My love could teach the blind to see
My love's the wildest mystery
My love said she'd be the one
Now I know

Baby you're a liar, oh yeah
You're a liar
A liar
I'm burning with desire

(Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh) baby you're a liar
(Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh) yeah, baby you're a liar
You're a liar
(Ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh) baby you're a liar
You've been known to veer from the truth


Lies
You're a liar
You're telling me lies
Baby you're a liar
Lies
I'm burning with desire
Lies
Baby you're a liar

Closer To You


Track 3. Written by Spike Edney. Length 3:14.
Alternate Versions:
1. 2013 Remastered Version (3:11) (this is identical to the original album version, but fades out slightly earlier, which means it loses a line of lyrics)
Lyrics: (the lyrics in red are lost from the 2013 remastered version)
Wasn't looking for love but you found me anyway
Like a shot from a gun you just blow me away
'Cos you got the power and you got control
Ain't got no strength and I can't fight it at all

I'll be what you want me to be
And I'll do what you want me to do
And I'll see what you want me to see
If that's what it takes to get closer to you

Well I'm down on my knees 'cos you got me in chains
So you do what you please and you drive me insane
'Cos you got the power and you got control
Ain't got no strength and I can't fight it at all

I'll be what you want me to be
And I'll do what you want me to do
And I'll see what you want me to see
If that's what it takes to get closer to you

Uh, uh

Hey, that's what it takes, that's what it takes
That's what it takes to get closer to you, now

I'll be what you want me to be
And I'll do what you want me to do
And I'll see what you want me to see
If that's what it takes to get closer to you

Be what you want me - I'll be what you want me
Do what you want me - do what you want me
I'll see what you want me to see
To get closer to you

Closer to you, babe
Closer to you
That's what it takes to get closer to you
I'll be what you want me to be

And I'll do what you want me to do

Breakdown


Track 4. Written by Peter Noone. Length 3:52.
Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (4:09) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
Lyrics:
Now come on
Now come on can't you see
It's printed black and white
That the news today
Is that some poor boy lies dead

The papers gloat and tell
They live in Bitch City
The one that has no soul

Makes me breakdown, breakdown, yeah
Makes me breakdown
Breakdown and cry
Makes me breakdown, breakdown, yeah
So read all about it today

Do you see us all as fools
Suckered by your lies
Yeah, you point the finger
Like some power crazy dude

Sensation pushers hound
To feed their addictions
See the jackals at your door

Makes me breakdown, breakdown
Makes me breakdown
Breakdown and cry
Breakdown, breakdown, yeah
So read all about it today

Read all about it
Everyday
That ain't news

Makes me breakdown, breakdown, yeah
Makes me breakdown, breakdown and cry
Breakdown, breakdown, yeah
Read all about it today

Might be a breakdown, yeah
I know, you know, I know, we know
Could be a breakdown
I know, you know, I know, we know
Might be a breakdown
I know, you know, I know, we know
Could be a breakdown (you can't believe that stuff)
I know, you know, I know, we know
Might be a breakdown

Penetration Guru


Track 5. Written by Clayton Moss. Length 3:44.
Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (4:09) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
Lyrics:
You've only got to say what you really need
You shall receive it
You've only got to know what you used to know
And then believe it

Contact me I'm no Darth Vader
Can't you see that I'm no stranger
Call to me when you're in danger

I'm your penetration guru
I'm an all pervading guy
Beyond the bandaloop I'll take you
I'll teach you how to live and never die, never die - how about that

And when you see the signs you'll freeze your mind
Then you'll be free
And when you feel the force you'll realise
It's heaven for you and me

Contact me I'm no Darth Vader
Can't you see that I'm no stranger
Call to me when you're in danger

I'm your penetration guru
Yeah, I'm an all pervading guy
Beyond the bandaloop I'll take you - yes I will
I'll teach you how to live and never die, never die

Ow, never die, imagine that
Ow

I'm your penetration guru
Yeah, I'm an all pervading guy
Beyond the bandaloop I'll take you - yes I will
I'll teach you how to live and never die, never die

I'm your penetration guru
Yeah, I'm an all pervading guy
Beyond the bandaloop I'll take you
I'll teach you how to live and never die, never die
Never die

A penetration guru
I'm your penetration guru
Yeah, penetration guru
Never die
Penetration

Power To Love


Track 6. Written by Joshua J. Macrae, Peter Noone and Clayton Moss. Length 4:00.
Alternate Versions:
1. Single Version (3:27) (on all formats of the single, the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set; loses the sections from 0:30 to 0:36 and 1:37 to 1:50, 2:11 to 2:14 is repeated, and 2:14 to 2:33 is lost)
2. Extended Version (5:18) (on the 12" and CD singles, the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set)

Live Versions:
1. Live In Germany (5:29) (recorded in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 21 October 1991)
Lyrics: (the lyrics in red are missing from the single version)
Hey
I was searching for the answer
But I didn't know where to start
So I went down to the doctor
Took a look in his black box

He said what are you searching for
You don't need this to free your mind
And all the crowd sing

It's time out for the rat race
Feed on it, my one true desire


Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Know what he said?
He said I'll take you on a journey
Across sea and over land
To see the death and the destruction
Brought about by our own hands

And all around the world
(Oooh, oooh, oooh) check in the Last Chance Motel
And all the crowd sing
It's time out for the rat race
Feed on it my one true desire

Now
we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now
we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star


Push, push, push, push, push
Push, push, push, push, push
Push on through, push on through


Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

Now we got the power to love
We got the power
To hold on to
Push on through
We are the brightest star

We got the power

Sister Blue


Track 7. Written by Peter Noone. Length 4:13.
Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (4:28) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
Lyrics:
Come on

Here we are in this year of remembrance
With you and me there lies a resemblance
Celebrate, in this reunion
Celebrate, don't let it slip away

You make a bond you know can't be broken
A promise kept the words that were spoken
Celebrate, to the sound of thunder
Celebrate, don't let it slip away

C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together sister blue

C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together sister blue

I saw you once right there in the distance
A rocking child who screamed for existence
Celebrate, your wheels keep turning
Celebrate, believe me when I say

A battle cry from here to oblivion
A super-nova makes you start living
Celebrate, let your cup run over
Celebrate, don't let it slip away

C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together sister blue

C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together
C'mon, c'mon let's get together sister blue, sister blue

Come on

Will you ride with me tonight
Share my wine
Will you lose that ball and chain
Shake it loose
It's been on too long, too long

Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together sister blue

Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together sister blue

Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together sister blue, alright

A come on
A come on, yeah
Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together
Come on, come on, let's get together sister blue

Come on, a come on
Come on, sister blue, sister blue
C'mon

Foxy Lady


Track 8 on the CD only. Written by Jimi Hendrix. Length 3:25.
This track was not included on the original LP and cassette versions of the album.
This song was originally recorded by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in May 1967 and appears on the 'Are You Experienced?' LP.

Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (5:22) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
Lyrics:
Yeah
Well, you know you are a, a cute little heart breaker
You're a foxy lady
And you know you are a, a sweet little love maker
Foxy lady

I wanna take you home
I won't do you no harm, no
You've got to be all mine, all mine
Foxy lady

You know what I see
I see you up down on the street, yeah
You're a foxy lady
You make me wanna a get up and a scream, yeah
Foxy lady
I've made up my mind now
You know I, you know I'm tired of wasting all my, my precious time, now
You've got to be all mine, all mine
Foxy lady

Come on and get you

You know what I think now
I'm gonna take you home
I won't do you no harm, no
You've got to be all mine, all mine
Foxy lady

I'm gonna get you

Foxy, lady
Foxy, lady
Foxy, ooh yeah
Foxy

Better Things


Track 9 on the CD, track 8 on LP/cassette. Written by Clayton Moss. Length 2:46.
Clayton Moss sings lead vocals on this track.

Lyrics:
I'm gonna go where the sun's in the sky
And I'm gonna go when the moon is high
And I'm gonna go where the rivers run free
I'm gonna go where I can be me

I'm gonna go where the grass is green (I'm gonna go where the grass is green)
And I'm gonna go where the water's clean (and I'm gonna go where the water's clean)
And I'm gonna go where the sky is clear (and I'm gonna go where the sky is clear)
I'm gonna go away from here

I'm gonna think about better things
Think about better things

I'm gonna build a fire by the sea (I'm gonna build a fire by the sea)
And I'm gonna be alone with me (and I'm gonna be alone with me)
I'm gonna feel the wind on my face (I'm gonna feel the wind on my face)
And I'm gonna go away from this place

Make me a potion to drink, I won't make it too sweet
I've got to think about better things, think about better things
Time don't care too much about the pace
Just falls on the world, stays on your face
Better things, think about better things

I'm gonna go where the sun's in the sky
I'm gonna go when the moon is high
I'm gonna go where the rivers run free (I'm gonna go where the rivers run free)
I'm gonna go where I can be me

Passion For Trash


Track 10 on the CD, track 9 on LP/cassette. Written by Joshua J. Macrae. Length 2:32.
Alternate Versions:
1. Jam Studios Session Demo (2:50) (an early demo recorded in 1988 or 1989, with Joshua J. Macrae on vocals; a rawer, poppier version of the track)
Lyrics: (the demo version loses the lyrics in red but adds the lyrics in blue)
She's a hot wire baby, got a passion for trash
She can run my motor, when I'm flat out of gas

She sparked me up, made me take a look, she said
There's only one way you can get in my book

Down, down, down, baby get down
Down, down, down, as low as you can go
Down, down, down, baby get down, she said
You'll never know just what you can do until I show you

She got take me eyes, all the way smile
Gotta do watcha do, when her lights are on you
She took my loving lust, passion and cash
Now night's I'm dreaming of my passion for trash

Down, down, down, baby get down
Down, down, down, as low as you can go
Down, down, down, baby get down, she said
You'll never know just what you can do until I show you

Passion for trash -
she got passion
She got passion
Passion for trash - she got uh - passion for trash

Trash

Down, down, down, baby get down
Down, down, down, as low as you can go
Down, down, down, baby get down, she said
You'll never know just what you can do until I show you


Passion
Down, down, down, a passion for trash
Down, down, down, trash
Low down and dirty
Yeah, low down and dirty
I love you baby
I got a passion for trash - and that's you
I gotta, I gotta, I gotta, I gotta, I gotta, I gotta, I gotta passion for trash


Get down
She got passion
Down, down, down
Down - she's a hotwire baby
Down - she can run my motor
Down - she's a hotwire baby
Down - she got passion
Down, down, down
Get down - she's a hotwire baby
Down - she can run my motor (down, down, down)

Old Men

(Lay Down)


Track 11 on the CD, track 10 on LP/cassette. Written by Roger Taylor. Length 4:52.
Lyrics:
Take a trip to China, if you dare
They gotta lotta old men shooting young men there
Iran or Russia, or the USA
Old men, lay down

Lay down old men, you've had your fun
Lay down old men, your time is run
Lay down your arms, let in the light
Old men, lay down

Old men, with old clothes
Old men, with minds closed
Old men, with bad teeth
They own you, they own me

Take a trip to China, if you dare
They gotta lotta old men shooting young men there
Old men with bad teeth
They own you, they own me

Old men, in big cars
Old men, with missiles
Old men, on TV
They own newspapers and they own me

Have you seen a politician, with a mile wide smile
Who didn't love himself more than a mother loves her child
Old men, on TV
They own newspapers and they own me

Take a trip to China, if you dare

Look at Iran - Jesus
Look at Russia - getting better
Or the USA - maybe they're getting better

And Lebanon, and the Vatican
And Panama, most of South America

Old men, on TV
They own you, they own me
Old men, lay down your arms - let in the light
Lay down your arms - and let in the light
Old men, lay down, take a hike
Get out of here, get on your bike
You've had your time
Your times is run

Final Destination


Track 12 on the CD, track 11 on LP/cassette. Written by Roger Taylor. Length 3:34.
This song was later recorded by Roger Taylor and Yoshiki, full details can be found on the 'Happiness?' album page.

Live Versions:
1. Bootleg (4:37) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990)
Lyrics:
Maybe it's just a feeling
Every time we meet
But you hit me right out of the blue
From all those people out on the streets
And if one time you told me that you loved me, heaven knows
I would feel that I could ski right off
The bridge of your pretty nose

This could be my destination
This could be my destination
And if one time you told me that you cared for me
You would renovate my soul

This could be my destination
This could be my destination
Play some guitar now

You could be my, yeah
You might be my
You must be my
Final destination

This could be my destination
You must be my destination, yeah
Know what I mean
(Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh) in the day time
In the night time
(Ooh-ooh-ooh, oooh-oooh-oooh, oooh) in the summer time
In the winter time
(Aah-aah-aah, aah-aah-aah, aah) about any time
For all time
(Aah-aah-aah, aah-aah-aah, aah) say you'll be mine
Say you'll be mine
Say you'll be mine
Till the end of time

In Charge Of My Heart


Non Album Track. Written by Roger Taylor.
Available Versions:
1. Single Version (2:17) (on the 7" single of 'Liar', the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set)
2. Extended Version (4:43) (on the 12" and CD singles of 'Liar', the 'Singles 1' album and 'The Lot' boxed set; has a 2:26 drum solo introduction, but otherwise unchanged)

Lyrics:
Well I open my eyes
Hey what do you say
What a big surprise
Another brand new day

Well I gave you the key
With no questions asked
My love surrender
Goodbye to the past

'Cos you are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart

Well I gave you the key
To a love divine
You hid it away
Where the sun don't shine

'Cos you are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
Yeah, you are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart

Yes, you are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
Yeah, you are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart

In charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
In charge of my heart

In charge of my heart