I Hate Mondays (song)

"I Hate Mondays" is a song by the Irish band The Boomtown Rats, released in 1979. It gained international popularity and remains one of the band's most well-known tracks.

The song was written by Bob Geldof after he read a telex news report about Brenda Ann Spencer, a teenager who opened fire at a school in San Diego, California, on January 29, 1979. When asked why she committed the act, Spencer reportedly replied, "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day."

The lyrics explore the senselessness of the shooting and attempt to grapple with Spencer's seemingly inexplicable motivation. Geldof has described the song not as an endorsement of violence, but as an observation on a tragic event and a reflection on societal apathy.

"I Hate Mondays" sparked considerable controversy upon its release, particularly in the United States. Some radio stations refused to play the song, and Spencer's family reportedly expressed distress over its subject matter. Despite the controversy, the song was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and achieving international recognition. It remains a frequently played song on classic rock radio stations and is regarded as a significant example of new wave music addressing social issues.