Be Good Johnny

This article is about the Men at Work song. For the harness racing horse, see Be Good Johnny (horse).

"Be Good Johnny" is a song by Australian band Men at Work, released in April 1982 as the third and final single from their debut album, Business as Usual.

"Be Good Johnny"
Single by Men at Work
from the album Business as Usual
B-side	"F-19"
Released	April 1982
Recorded	1981
Genre	Power pop[1] new wave[1]
Length	3:35
Label	Columbia
Songwriters	Colin Hay Greg Ham[2]
Producer	Peter McIan
Men at Work singles chronology
"Down Under" (1981) "Be Good Johnny" (1982) "Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive" (1982)
Music video
"Be Good Johnny" on YouTube

Content

The song is written from the viewpoint of a 9-year-old boy who is constantly being told to be good, but prefers to daydream rather than concentrate in class or play sports. Johnny feels like he understands some of his instructions, but also that he is completely misunderstood by the adult world.^[3] The lead singer, Colin Hay, uses his voice in different ways throughout the song to imitate Johnny, Johnny's mother and father, and his teacher. The song also features spoken dialogue by keyboardist Greg Ham as he tries to figure out what Johnny is like. The title of the song is a reference to the Chuck Berry song "Johnny B. Goode".

Cover versions

Colin Hay covered a solo version on his album Man @ Work, and this version is used as the theme song of the American version of the reality TV program Supernanny.

Personnel

• Colin Hay – guitar, lead vocals
• Greg Ham – keyboards, background vocals
• Ron Strykert – guitar, background vocals
• John Rees – bass, background vocals
• Jerry Speiser – drums, background vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1982–83)	Peak positions
Australia (Kent Music Report)[4][5]	8
Canada (RPM)	18
New Zealand (RIANZ)[6]	3
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)	78
U.S. Billboard Top Tracks[7]	3

Year-end charts

Chart (1982)	Positions
Australia (Kent Music Report)[5]	67