Osama Bin Laden

Album: Ukulele Hunt (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although Frank Skinner has a reputation for irreverent humor, this song does not overstep the mark. "Osama Bin Laden" is performed solo like a latter day banjo playing George Formby. There is after all something intensely comical about this Emmanuel Goldstein-like figure sitting in some rat infested cave on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border issuing videotaped fatwas against the Great Satan.
  • Non-UK listeners will probably miss the Michael Barrymore allusion. In March 2001, Barrymore, who was then one of the highest paid comedians on British TV, was embroiled in a scandal after a guest died in his swimming pool. He had been out clubbing, and took a group of strangers back to his place where the partying (and drug abuse) continued. Understandably, in view of his celebrity status, Barrymore found himself accused of complicity in the death; an open verdict was returned at the inquest, but that sort of mud always sticks. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Alex from Newcastle Upon Tyne, United KingdomWow, I can't believe this song has it's own page on Songfacts! Amazing!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

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.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.