THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

632-The Boomtown Rats-Rat Trap.

1978-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 4.08. Many artists found that performing on Top of the Pops was a necessary evil, as the producers of the show would insist that they mime. Like many others, Bob Geldof knew if he wanted to get the best exposure for his song he would have to perform, but he got his own back on the show by miming the saxophone part on the candelabra.

The Boomtown Rats were formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1975 by Bob Geldof (vocals,) Garry Roberts (lead guitar,) Johnnie Fingers (keyboards,) Pete Briquette (bass,) Gerry Cott (rhythm guitar,) and Simon Crowe (drums.) They were active until 1986, but reformed in 2013 without Fingers, or Cott. They have released seven studio Albums, the latest being ‘Citizens of Boomtown’ in 2020. They have also achieved 11 top 40 singles in the UK, including two Number 1’s (see also best songs 455.) The band took their name from the gang of children who are referred to in Woody Guthrie’s autobiography ‘Bound for Glory,’ which Geldof had read.

Bob Geldof had written the lyrics to ‘Rat Trap’ as far back as 1973, while working in an abattoir. The song tells the tale of young Billy who knows that he is already trapped by his surroundings, and if he is to have a better life, then he must move away from the town he lives in.In 1996 Geldof recorded a self mocking cover version of the song with the ‘RTE’ television puppet character ‘Dustin the Turkey,’ the song became the Christmas Number 1 in Ireland that year.

‘Billy don’t like it living here in this town, he says the traps have been sprung long before he was born. He says,’hope bites the dust behind all the closed doors,”and puss and grime ooze from it’s scab crusted sores.’