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

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

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.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."