"Mack the Knife (Prostate Cancer - Facts of Life)" by The Marsh Family with Prostate Cancer UK

We’ve been working with Prostate Cancer UK and are so proud to reveal our first ever "not in our house’’ music video titled "Mack the Knife (Prostate Cancer - Facts of life)". We got dressed up and everything! Thank you so much to Ellie and the team for helping us to feel comfortable with the project and make it so collaborative and enjoyable, while letting us be us. We have loved working with Prostate Cancer UK and their incredible staff, specialist nurses, and volunteers.
Please share the song as far as you can - it's available here to download and all profits will be donated by us to Prostate Cancer UK: orcd.co/marshf...
Whilst most of our songs have tongue-in-cheek tendencies, this song has extra meaning to the family, after Danielle’s dad (John) was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. We felt it only right to raise awareness of the disease - the most common cancer in men - and spread the message further, with our approved lyric adaptation of the swing classic. Our favourite versions were Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Bobby Darin, and only a message as important as this would have inspired us to take on such an iconic song.
It’s so easy to push worries and concerns to one side with a busy life and a pandemic overshadowing everything. But if we can encourage people to make that GP appointment and gain peace of mind or an early diagnosis, then that would be amazing. We hope the lyrics will make people smile, but also realise how many of us have been touched by the disease and want to address it (Ben's grampa actually died with it too).
To find out more about prostate cancer and Prostate Cancer UK:
Check your risk in 30 seconds: bit.ly/3pl5tDd
Speak to a Specialist Nurse: bit.ly/3oeeVcc
Donate: bit.ly/3da9nJF
Social: @prostatecanceruk @ProstateUK prostatecanceruk
#MenWeAreWithYou
Thank you to all those involved in creating creating Mack the Knife (prostate cancer - facts of life):
Mixing:
Jez Larder - Skyline Studios
Katie Tavini - Mastering
Video:
Client: Prostate Cancer UK
Production Company: MOREVER
Directed by Dan Mellor
DoP: Bruce Jackson
Executive Producer: Mark Allin
Producer: Aiyana Gane
Client Relations: Abi Mellor
Camera Ops: Sam Cordell & Vasil Dzhagalov
Sound Recordist: David Briggs
Hair/Makeup: Kit Beaumont
Publicity:
Prostate Cancer UK
ImpressivePR
Distribution:
Nova Sales and Distribution via The Orchard
Licensing:
With permission of Universal Edition AG, Vienna, www.universaledition.com
Tency Music
Rights:
Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer"
English translation “Mack the Knife” by Marc Blitzstein
© Copyright 1928 by Universal Edition A.G., Wien
English adaptation by Ben Marsh
© Copyright 2021 by Universal Edition A.G., Wien
LYRICS (Ben Marsh):
Oh the prostate, it’s a gland, dear
And it’s hidden deep inside
Has a shelf life that’s hard to pre-date
Cos we keep it, ah, out of sight
Like a walnut, kind of D shaped
Near the bladder, and rectum
Fancy gloves, oh, wears the doctor
If they check it, sticking fingers up your [doobee wapsie]
It’s a man thing, (it’s occasionally a trans-thing)
Helps make semen, really flow
Wrapped around your old urethra
If it’s working - you can go!
But the prostate can inflate, mate
Little walnut’s supersized!
More than shark bites: 1 in 8 men
Contract cancer, prostate cancer, in their lives
Someone’s Daddy. Someone’s Grandpa.
Someone’s husband. Someone’s son.
Some misfortune’s, round the corner.
But there’s something - yes there’s something that could be done
Now we got lucky, three years ago with our Grandad
They caught it early, and cut that bad boy out
He was generally fit. Had tried to ignore it.
Saved by a Geordie, a Geordie prostatectomy!
So in this last verse that we’re swinging hard
Trying to smash a masculine subject (taboo-m)
So spread the news round
Get your kecks down
Seek a doctor,
To Assess Ya,
Maybe Test Ya,
Get that old prostate checked
__________________________________________________
"Mack the Knife (Prostate Cancer - Facts of Life)" is part of a double A side Christmas 2021 release - our first ever foray into the world of proper music...
...and while you're at it, you can have a listen to the other single on the release, Bring Us A Candle, which is a different kind of Christmas song that we wrote in 2021, reflecting that although the pandemic has changed how we see things, we are determined that it's not going to take hope away from us all.
#themarshfamily
www.marshfamilysongs.com
/ marshfamilysongs

[@maleficentaurora5959]

If the whole world doesn't use this for next years prostate cancer awareness they are just fools couse that was just awesome 👌👌👌

[@sufranklin4439]

Best Public Service Announcement I have ever heard! Awesome!

[@magdalenah7612]

I sent this to my dad over Christmas. He loved it so much he sent it to a friend who also has been operated for prostate cancer. Sadly, my dad left us 11 days ago, I can't help but return to this song. I love the part when you sing "someone's daddy, someone's grandpa, someone's husband." ❤️ He was all of this.

[@thelen3553]

Why isn’t this shown regularly as an advert on tv.. absolutely sensational

[@georgiagirl8993]

My husband is a prostate cancer survivor- have the surgery!!!

[@jeankroeber2481]

This is the best prostate cancer ad ever...should be adopted by the AMA. Egad, Marsh Family, you are each, all, great. You are a joy. ❤️From Germany

[@adaynasmile]

I've never seen such a beautiful video to promote cancer awareness. Wow.

[@hainanbob6144]

Nice one. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 68 and less than two months later at the age of 69 I was in hospital having a full prostatectomy. I had no symptons to speak of, I had decided to have a PSA test because of my age. Now I keep advising all my male friends, (and female friends with male partners), to get their PSA levels tested before it's too late, i.e. get them done at the age of 50! (PS The finger of the bum is not so necessary these days. After my diagnosis I had the doctor demonstrate to an intern, that was it.) PPS Brilliant video, very professional!

[@dianapulido1807]

This is the best public service announcement I have every seen and heard. It is deserving of an Emmy, a Grammy and an Oscar. I feel like sharing it with every male member of my family. As a matter of fact I will.

[@andyfenning1123]

Good grief. This is quite wonderful. You guys had better work out what you're going to do with the rest of your singing career. It will go on for a very long time. Thanks for all your brilliance. From a prostate cancer survivor.

[@steve1750]

Thanks, everyone. I keep telling my mates to get checked after having problems myself, I had surgery 6 years ago, but not for cancer. Now it seems to be re-emerging, fingers crossed it is benign. There is not enough publicity about this. I hope your grandfather is going well.

[@janewarburton8884]

My husband was diagnosed at the age of 57 with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9. He’s had two major forms of treatment but still has cells lingering. He always wears his little prostate man and happily will talk about it to anyone who will listen. We play lawn bowls and have members in our club and other clubs who have recently been diagnosed or at present undergoing treatment so I’m sharing this to as many places as I can to make people aware. Thank you to a very talented family. 😘

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Thanks Jane. Sounds like your husband is a great ambassador, and we have the little men and little man face masks (until the kids lose them 🤪). Hope he stays clear for the foreseeable and you guys have a fab Christmas

[@tedemberson3473]

Made me laugh so much probably good for my prostate 😅😂❤

[@helen4542]

Thank you my husband was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in January, after having surgery, we are hopeful that it's 99.9% cured... Due to getting it checked quickly, Please guys check in with your GP if you are peeing too much or have a slow flow, takes a second to get checked out both with a PSA blood test and prostate exam by your doctor , it could save your life .❤️

[@grantw7]

I didn't have cancer but I discovered that if it gets blocked one can have a vacation ruined and end up having emergency surgery in Luxor, Egypt (I was 72 at the time from Canada). I now know more about the prostate that I ever did before the operation. Take the health of your prostate seriously guys. Having your bladder drained during a Nile cruise is not something I would wish for anyone to experience!

[@johnchild957]

Excellent in all respects. As a surviver from a family of 11 cousins who all had Prostate cancer and 6 of whom died, get the message GET TESTED... NOW!!

[@debbieraby]

Well done! I am so thankful that our father/grandfather/great grandfather is a 20+ year prostate cancer survivor after radiation treatment. He is a vibrant, healthy 89 year old man who we all dearly love.

[@imbethondion4572]

Loved this one! I lost my grandad to prostate cancer - he was one of those people who didn't trust doctors (fairly common in his generation) so by the time it was found it had already spread. Anything that can be done to raise awareness is a good thing.

[@alo03]

All the British sense of humor and efficiency, for a noble cause ! Please, come in France and sing us that in French ! To our dear Brits neighbours, we miss you in Europe !

[@brendarico715]

Ok playing this at Church next Sunday. They love to laugh so much.

[@margenn3889]

Congratulations Marsh family what a fabulous way to share such an important message.

[@misslyndylou]

Well done , what a fabulous way to bring it to the publics notice !!!! And great song and great singing !!!! Bravo 👏

[@regencoe]

Amazing as always - and once again you're communicate a serious topic in an entertaining way with a spark in your eyes and a smile on your faces. Also happy to hear it was caught early in your grandad - here's to many, many more happy years as a family!

[@ornelladay2041]

Amazing guys! I'll be sharing this with my Urology colleagues.

[@yorkshireroots]

PERFECT Appreciation to the incredible Marsh Family

[@softweir]

A vital message very well presented! I am impressed by how everybody's voices are developing, especially Tess' - she came out with some impressively long, powerful notes for somebody her age and size!

[@chrisadams6692]

Nutcracker It is important to have an annual PSA test and see someone if the level is going up. Just one test is not enough. Fantastic and brilliant song.

[@jamesgilhooly8922]

This is fantastic. I picked it up on Whatsap, and have forwarded to many people. Cannot praise this enough.

[@Pit.Gutzmann]

Another wow! Complicated theme well presented. And your singing keeps getting better and better! And your grandparents seem to be nice people, too!

[@Paulus8765]

Yes, better & better. Stunning.

[@misswoo9522]

Well done Marsh family ! Love you guys so much !

[@tararu4237]

I have to say - I’m in love with these outfits! And the sparkles…. YES!

[@alexfreer8892]

Omg amazing. Up there now with Yellow Brick Road song. Well done. Amazing lyrics. Thrilled he is doing ok now 💕

[@quinni24]

3 year anniversary? - so glad you are still with us Grandad! Great song. Great message.

[@neilbowers6956]

Thank you for this! Last year my dad had prostrate cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early and he has made a full recovery! This is an important message and subject matter dealt with in a brilliant way.

[@simplelife6663]

Been waiting for this to come out...and certainly not disappointed !!! Great song, great voices, great production and loved the costumes. You just get better and better, can't wait for the next one.

[@karenharvey1919]

Absolutely superb- well done and such a meaningful charity to the family. Tears of laughter turned to actual tears. BRAVO, THIS is what raises the profile of a difficult subject to broach

[@davep6407]

This clip is the most heart warming thing I’ve seen today. Just fantastic ❤️

[@wombat.6652]

WOW!!! Fantastic. I think this is the first time I have ever watched and rewatched a vid five times in a row. Impressive!!!

[@tytn9978]

Wonderful lyrics to a piece of music I really enjoy! And it is also wonderful to see all of you "dressed up and everything"! Mack-the-Knnife is a memorable piece of music, and your lyrics definitely did it justice! Thanks for working with Prostate Cancer UK! Your KZbin post reminds me that I do need to check in with my doctor ... before my sons decide to drag me to his office!

[@Ourgrenni6164]

amazing song and such an important subject!

[@katinkasirena]

I lost my father to prostate cancer early this year. Unfortunately they found out too late. Guys, go get yourself checked! Also have them test the PSA score, even if that test isn't covered by your health insurance. It is so important! If found early on it is one of the types of cancer that can be treated well. If found too late..... well, dying from it is no joke. I'll leave it at that.

[@wombat.6652]

My deepest sympathy. Grieving is hard. Allow yourself as much time as you need. If for example- you are driving and suddenly feel overwhelming sadness, pull over, have a cry, - then drive on when you are safe. Just stay safe, all the rest is details. It can come on sudden like that.

[@mandybranch7218]

Love n Hugs 💗

[@MarshFamilySongs]

So sorry to hear this, and sending thoughts to you and your family. We did think carefully about the song and it’s tone, because we know of so many painful and tragic experiences. Each one is heart-breaking. Our hope is that we can bring it to attention in a different way, and point people to support, so that other families don’t suffer needlessly. But if we reopened any wounds in the process, sorry. And thanks for sharing your loss and urging people to get checked early.

[@katinkasirena]

@@mandybranch7218 @Wombat. Thank you very much for your kind words and advice. @Marsh Family: Thank you. And thank you for raising awareness with this video. It is an important topic.

[@DavesProjectCorner]

Well guys you really smashed that one, absolutely awesome!! If the company don't take that as their national or even international advertising campaign they don't know what they are doing!!! Well done to you all and to Grandpa, congrats to the family!! Have an awesome Christmas!! God bless! :)

[@judithroberts8096]

I’m on my 3rd listen without a break & haven’t stopped smiling 🤩🤩 Fabulous performance from everyone, with instruments & voice. Ella! That final note!!! 👏🏽🤩❤️

[@susanpearson-creativefibro]

Another amazing production. I believe the family logo is new… in mezzo forte typeface, nice touch. I’ve watched the Bring us a candle every day since it was posted. Looking forward to seeing what comes next. It was nice to see you officially partnered with the charity for this.

[@felicitygee381]

Wow, This is so awesome, and meaningful, sweet and poignant. I love the costumes, make-up and set. I hope this is our first view of the grandparents who started off this channel in the first place. And the first prostrate song! I am glad you are still cheering us up, bravo!

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Thanks Felicity! And sorry to anyone in Hackney where there will be a shortage of brill cream over Christmas (that is not related to either Brexit or pandemic…)

[@marielynie3537]

Six days after my father had his prostate removed because of cancer. Great timing! Get checked and stay alive to get to know your grandkids! Anyways, nice video an gorgeous dresses :)

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Glad you caught it and hope he’s recovering okay Mariely, and please send him our best wishes.

[@marielynie3537]

@@MarshFamilySongs thank you so much, he got home today! Thank for raising awareness 🙏

[@headrushindi]

again , I am speechless.. I am willing to bet Kurt Weill never saw this coming. Brilliant, Clever, and on point . Not the thing one would ever expect to see the family singing group locking harmonies on , but Hey .....The most effective PSA one can ask for . BRAVO again Marsh's .

[@URA007DUDE]

Brilliant guys, fantastic production value on that one, really got my toes tapping

[@pattyolson3842]

That was so sweet for Granddad! Well done Marsh family! Spreading awareness in style!

[@heathermurgatroyd9164]

Brilliant. Well done Marsh family on raising awareness of prostate cancer.

[@bluenoser1567]

WoW! Just WoW! The best .. You guy's only get better and what a great production. I'm 65 years old with slow growth prostate cancer and this is just the right message in the right way and you rock! Thanks for this and also have a Merry Christmas ... Cheers

[@madeleinealdridge1788]

How have I never seen this before? I love how you have used your usual humour to get a serious message across so thank you Ben, Danielle. Alfie, Thomas, Ella and Tess. My dad passed away almost a year ago from cancer (oesophageal) so anything that promotes cancer awareness, or raises funds for research is important to me. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing something new from you!

[@mikeyp1230]

I really didn't expect to have tears in my eyes. There was something very moving about this.

[@grahamyates2490]

As always, done with humour and a heaping helping of love. Well done.

[@PDXpackrat]

Marsh Family, you're all just so amazing - love you so much. If I had to pick a favorite though, Thomas is it. He's *so* good at hitting those high notes.

[@sharonjames1255]

Thank you for this song. As usual you guys did a great job! This song hit a little close to home. My husband doesn't actually have cancer, thank God. But we found out early last year that his prostate was enlarged and if he hadn't been diagnosed when he was that he probably would have died in a couple years, as it would have continued to grow. He's now taking medicine to keep it under control. That was a big scare for us as we nearly had to take him to the emergency room because he was suddenly so weak he couldn't even walk! He also started slurring his words and we think he had a mini-stroke at the same time. Doctor couldn't tell us if he did or not as my husband refused to let me call an ambulance for him at the time. It was several days afterwards when he managed to get in to see a doctor. Here, if an ambulance had come out and he refused to go with them, we would have still had to pay the ambulance. We couldn't afford it. The ambulance EMT's couldn't make him go with them as long as he could communicate clearly. I was mad at him and nagged him afterwards to get a doctor's appointment right away, and resorted to crying when he told me no. I don't do that often, but when I do, he caves. He did this time to. Can't use that ploy very often as sooner or later it won't work; maybe when you really, really need it to do so! Like crying wolf one time too many! Our health isn't something we should mess around with! You guys keep up the good work.

[@MsCheesemonster13]

I hope your husband is feeling better now. All the best xx

[@jillp1840]

My husband is now humming 'Mack the Knife' in the other room. He'll have no idea why if I ask him! His Dad had prostate cancer, but fortunately very slow growing (and as the doctor said) he'd be 'dead before it kills' him. And so it came to pass. Good on you all for raising awareness and demystifying the stigma. And for including the trans community.

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Thanks Jill! It is a catchy tune - kids were very quick to pick it up. And yes, in some instances PC is there in the background, where it hopefully stays.

[@karensonday5364]

Danielle is amazing in this one! She's always fabulous and this time she nails it in every way. So much fun to watch!

[@patcostello3882]

Brilliant and thank you ❤️

[@claret7222]

This is wonderful and brought a tear to my eye, having lost my dad to prostate cancer 20 years ago. Congratulations on such a talented family, and well done for bringing attention to a very worthwhile cause 👏

[@mandybranch7218]

What a subject 🥰 I hope they turn it into an advert on tv 🥰

[@mandybranch7218]

Also shared to Facebook

[@shelleyridler]

Love these new vids! What a great song for a great cause! Well done again everybody. I'm also still singing Bring Us A Candle! That would make a great Christmas no.1! ❤ X

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Thanks Shelley! We liked how different the two songs were, which is why they kinda worked for a double A single release together.

[@shelleyridler]

@@MarshFamilySongsI think you're all so blooming talented and I really hope the message gets across about Prostate cancer. Have a lovely Christmas all of you. X

[@ericduffield524]

I've not been able to watch you guys for awhile. This is BRILLIANT!!! I use to work in medicine. It's a perfect advert for prostate cancer. You should market it to the National Health and donate the royalties to the issue 🤷

[@tandrasmith4967]

Wow that was just brilliant..

[@oopsadaisy1078]

Wonderful! What an inspirational family! I’m a teacher and can tell you now, this uplifting, informative video is grade 1 ❤️

[@tomgross5730]

Absolutely wonderful! Great performance, great cause, love the costumes and Granddad seems a great guy. 10/10 Superb! Cheers, Grandad

[@maryhelen1011]

I love this family!!!!! They can all sing, dance and are gorgeous! Thank you for making and sharing!!!

[@thesingingcraftycrafter]

Ok that is my favorite so far but I am only 4 videos in! I absolutely love your videos. I would binge walk than all day but I gotta get going on my own videos. Will share you guys and come back to watch all of your videos. These are so good I can watch them over and over!

[@simonbarlow6316]

This is just brilliant. Having lost my father to PC, and having early PC symptoms myself this is poignant, but also great at raising awareness! More men need to be thinking about PC - it lurks in the background, and then (when discovered) it can unfortunately be too late! 😢 Good work PCUK and the Marsh Family. Well done!

[@charlessanderson2635]

Thanks guys n gals that was a useful reminder - I've been talking about getting a test for years so i've just ordered one :-)

[@katherine7146]

Absolutely delightful - wonderful work!

[@Fleurbunny]

My Dad’s just started treatment for a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. His first chemo was Monday. This is fab! ♥️

[@paulmorris1489]

Easily the best ever Marsh song vid

[@lindaeterman6092]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!

[@alexfreer8892]

You all look fab 💕

[@johnhuwroberts7766]

Wow! Aren’t they wonderful! X

[@alexfreer8892]

Sending best wishes - love this music 💕👍

[@lS-kz2qx]

What can I say, just ran across your channel, while watching other you tube channels, you guys rock, love ya ( had a TURP done a mess of years ago)

[@wendelynanderson9517]

I wish my parents were still with us so I could show this to them. 😢

[@moreynolds9870]

Fabulous. Have shared to FB and ask friends to share. Great video with serious message. Let’s get the message out there xxx

[@MarshFamilySongs]

Thanks so much to you and all who are comfortable sharing

[@pixiereda]

What a great way to get that message out. A brilliant family, lovely voices , very talented.

[@ceilconstante640]

Absolutely hilarious and very talented!! I smiled all the way through this. I thought they were going to sing Mack the knife and died laughing at the lyrics. But seriously important message here. I have to add Dr. Eric Berg has a video on shrinking your prostate naturally that works!

[@philiprandall9994]

Love the girl's outfits! I wish I had the same clothes that they've got! Brilliant singing as always!

[@bumpcage]

Just amazed by this. What a fantastic way to get the message out there. Well done you lovely people xx

[@mikew742]

Excellent, just excellent!! Thank you so so much xx

[@iainduthie1508]

I lost my father 3 years ago from prostate cancer, 6 months later i was diagnosed with it - 3 years later and my 1st all clear - please dont be scared and get a check even if you haven't symptoms.

[@danmckayporat]

This family is amazing. Thank you!

[@elizabethmiller2910]

Just fabulous. You guys are amazing 👏 😍

[@cathysunshine4445]

Totally magical with fantastic message. Thank you all.

[@petersonofbernard4880]

So brilliant! The quality of your work just keeps on getting better! A West End show now please!

[@edwardliddell2144]

What a fantastic production! Excellent lyrics and the colours are amazing. Sound is brilliant too!! We men are not great when it comes to health issues and frequently prefer to hide things - hopefully this will encourage some to seek treatment and not find it too frightening a process.

[@carolhall4895]

Fabulous! Well done Marsh family. Totally up to your usual high standard.

[@luzelenacervantes5680]

So so beautiful!, congrats!!

[@markratte]

You look GREAT !

[@robertcrocker901]

All of your at home COVID lockdown in your pajama performances have been outstanding but this was amazing!!! Very slickly produced, you all looked outstanding in the costumes and the performance was perfect. Would like to see a bit more of this kind of stuff. And as usual the lyrics were as you would say Brilliant!!! Of course how you showed grandpa was absolutely charming!!!

[@brendapayne9635]

Just when I think you can't get any better...along comes this! I am so glad I discovered your family. You have helped me smile through many dark days as I am recovering from being hit by a car. Keep singing!

[@dennismatthews6660]

Love this piece! Especially when it ties together with that fun song of three years ago! And my how those kids have grown.

[@jockozzity9991]

Wonderful, just wonderful. Important, amusing, inspiring, emotional, watchable again and again and again. The nervous, triumphant cackle of laughter from Tess (who was amazing) at the end was the icing on the cake. Thank you the Marsh Family - your best yet. Let me know when the album comes out.....

[@justlookin61]

Marsh Family hits this one out of the park!

[@cilluzza08]

Absolutely brilliant 👏 👌

[@robgriffiths958]

Utterly brilliant ! And yes don’t hesitate get checked!