The Story of Mr. Wendal: How Arrested Development Tackled Homelessness in Music
In the early 90s, hip hop group Arrested Development burst onto the music scene with their socially conscious lyrics and infectious beats. One of their most popular songs, “Mr. Wendal,” shed light on the issue of homelessness and sparked a nationwide conversation.
Who is Mr. Wendal?
“Mr. Wendal” is a song that tells the story of a homeless man who lives on the streets. The lyrics describe his struggles and the judgment he faces from society. The chorus, “Here, have a dollar, in fact, no brother, man here, have two. Two dollars means a snack for me, but it means a big deal to you,” highlights the fact that even a small amount of money can make a significant difference in the life of someone who is homeless.
Why is Mr. Wendal Important?
Arrested Development’s “Mr. Wendal” was important for several reasons. Firstly, it drew attention to the issue of homelessness, which was a growing problem in the United States at the time. The song tackled the stereotype of homeless people as lazy or drug addicts and highlighted the structural issues that contribute to homelessness, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing.
Secondly, “Mr. Wendal” was a call to action. The song urged listeners to think about their own privilege and to help those in need. The line, “We’ve got to help the weak if we’re strong,” encourages listeners to be more empathetic and to take action to address social inequality.
Finally, “Mr. Wendal” was a commercial success. The song reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. This success helped to bring the issue of homelessness into the mainstream, and sparked conversations about how we can address this problem as a society.
The Legacy of Mr. Wendal
Today, “Mr. Wendal” remains a powerful and poignant song that continues to resonate with audiences. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Arrested Development’s “Mr. Wendal” is a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social change. The song’s message is as relevant today as it was in the 90s, and serves as a call to action for all of us to be more compassionate and to work towards a more just and equitable society. So the next time you hear “Mr. Wendal” on the radio, take a moment to reflect on its message and think about what you can do to help those in need.
As the group once said, “Don’t just walk by, we’re all homeless, feel me?”
I was 23, and now 30 yrs later this song still pulls my heart. Memories good and bad, but I’m still here, and blessed all the same.Thank you Arrested Development for blessing the world with this song and your talent
I seen them in the early 90's when they played Bowdoin College in Maine….I was so impressed by the elder BABA OJE, he held his hands straight out with a lantern in each for an ENTIRE song, can't remember if it was this or TENNESSEE. But 28 years later and I can still see him………
This song is badass. I forgot all about this song just until I accidentally ran into it I loved this this song it makes me feel young again. Me and my good friend Bill Eckler loved this song we always used to sing it having a few beers playing Horseshoes and singing mr. Wendal
3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of came out my freshman year of college. I played the tape so often that I don't know how I didn't wear it out.
GOD BLESS YOU BRO PLEASE VISIT NIGERIA YOUR SONG HIT NIGERIA BADLY THE EVERY BODY CALL YOU MR. WEDAL INSTEAD THE ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. BIG UP GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
I really love this song, i was remember like in 1989s years ago since my uncle have this cassette at home.
This is so fresh !
DITCH THAT GUY ON GUITAR. SUCKS!!!!
I was 23, and now 30 yrs later this song still pulls my heart. Memories good and bad, but I’m still here, and blessed all the same.Thank you Arrested Development for blessing the world with this song and your talent
You have to be cool and have a legit good song to pull off double female backing vocals.
Mr. Windle has warned us about our ways but do we hear him talk? Or have we gone too far….
Still number 1 in my playlist .
How much you wanna bet these losers are out there right now robbing retail stores and calling it reparations?
I seen them in the early 90's when they played Bowdoin College in Maine….I was so impressed by the elder BABA OJE, he held his hands straight out with a lantern in each for an ENTIRE song, can't remember if it was this or TENNESSEE. But 28 years later and I can still see him………
i am a metalhead and I love this song +i am also old .good job
Life in your face
Awesome song
Still brilliant and still totally relevant almost thirty years on.
When the autotune was like the shit on the street.
..and when music , souls and good ideas did the world a better place.
This song is badass. Those two girls are such good backup singers. They make this song real good
The studio version is Very good Clive St Albans
His voice is badass
Thank you Arrested Development I am 36 years old again I love you people
Those two girls can jam man and that guy is boss
Back in the day I was always singing mr. Wendal everyday
This guy is so cool unbelievable
This song is badass. I forgot all about this song just until I accidentally ran into it I loved this this song it makes me feel young again. Me and my good friend Bill Eckler loved this song we always used to sing it having a few beers playing Horseshoes and singing mr. Wendal
100% real music.. no bullshit
the guitar arrangements are heavenly
Im a white guy in my early 60s but that is so tight. Real music…and those girls are so on it
Still a classic,that sits true with a decent persons ideals,and a brilliant set of musicians.
can't sit still…great singers.
yayyyy im 16 maybe,, love thisssss song..
Abit like an early day black eyed peas,absolute classic
Dope
Now this is true music. Unlike the mindless crap, they try to pass off as music now.
3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of came out my freshman year of college. I played the tape so often that I don't know how I didn't wear it out.
Still hearing this song on the radio to this day. Y'all did something amazing
Are those the original ladies in the band anyone?
GOD BLESS YOU BRO PLEASE VISIT NIGERIA YOUR SONG HIT NIGERIA BADLY THE EVERY BODY CALL YOU MR. WEDAL INSTEAD THE ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. BIG UP GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
Who the 68 people that hate this must be crazy not to like this
A beautiful album. One of my favourite albums x
Listening during quarantine.
Bons tempos
Wow
Be strong serve god only.
The begining gets me everytime….peace!
Team wendal
SuperrrrrrrreB!!!!