Madness - My Girl - Explained

Mike Barson talks 'My Girl'
www.madness.co.uk
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[@11matt11]

Mike is unintentionally hilarious. All these years later, you can see exactly how the song came about and why she was angry with him, just from this video. Mike is a true accidental genius.

[@martinwood744]

Geronimo!

[@nickbarber2080]

She had no idea what she had.

[@hamsternibbler5582]

Mike Barson. One of the true Legends of British music.

[@user-mw8um6mc3v]

Where did he find that bit of melancholy from in My Girl. That trickling piano. Touch of genius. Great song.

[@Linmartin2]

Just rediscovered this song at the age of 67 because my 3-year old granddaughter loves Madness! My Girl is an amazing song. It expresses beautifully the angst young - and not so young - couples can feel when there are misunderstandings because of lack of communication. Love this song!

[@spookybaba]

How on earth did your three year old granddaughter discover their music?? That's amazing!

[@CricketEngland]

You need to listen to the Tracy Ullman’s cover it’s brilliant

[@jennifersoria1804]

i love this.

[@frederexier3319]

He was only 20 when he wrote this song. So much talent, so young... it's difficult to comprehend. True genius 😎!!!

[@BeatPoet67]

It's a perfect song. Melody, lyrics, sentiment, the chords and arpeggios. McCartney would have been proud of this.

[@MrNuttylee7]

OH YES!! What a pleasure it was to see this. Mike Barson, the legend, the father of Madness, the fantastic musician & songwriter, thank you for all the pleasure you`ve given us Madness fans over the past 35 years. If it wasn`t for you, I would never have taken up playing the keyboards. You deserve a such a huge amount of recognition. To really get a full appreciation of just how talented Mike is, you should try playing his keyboard parts, authentically. Is there any more of this fantastic interview out there?

[@Greatest1979]

Im afraid this is it, Lee. It was especially made for this tv programme we have here in Holland that coincides with the annual Top2000( of all time!). In every show there are a couple of mini-documentaries about songs or bands that are listed in the Top2000. And last year we FINALLY got to see one about the Nutty Boys.

[@MrNuttylee7]

Greatest1979 Many thanks.

[@labandadelasdiag]

the great band!!! mike barson beatiful!!!

[@crazymax5704]

Me too

[@blagoyeblaz3507]

Hey, I learned quite a few of their songs watchin your channel! Cheers!

[@oxouk]

I loved Madness as a kid. They were fun, the songs were catchy, and had a positive vibe. The first record I ever bought was "Return of the Los Palmas 7", I also bought Hair Cut One Hundred "Love Plus One" the same day. Over 40 years later I still have both those records.

[@steveholmes3471]

Sums up my teenage years, and all the rest of my years lol

[@mirapeerance]

He's such a lovable bloke and it is such a marvelous song about the times we've shared, I hardly dare say it.....but she's pretty wonderful too. Open, spontaneous, unafraid of being herself in the face of a receiver full of silence.... Too bad so many mean spirited comments about such a good-spirited lass. Long life to both of you.

[@jimholloway615]

If you know them personally.... that's exactly how they both come across. Very happy they could share this with us. Please let them both know, we appreciate them very much!

[@johnjohnnyjohnson9987]

Well said!

[@KerstinRodgers]

Thanks Edith. His talent is undeniable and probably not appreciated enough today. I'd have like to have seen him compose film music.

[@sulladrum]

I was so lucky to have access to great bands like Madness, the Specials, the Jam, and other great turn-of-the-decade English bands. They were all but unknown in America, but thanks to college radio, I found the music I truly loved and could relate to. This song really stands out.

[@fireyflower6643]

john sullivan they brought out new track Mr Apples last year, check it and their new album

[@duster71]

Not to me and my friends. We listened to everything that was ska.,I rode the second wave in 78 and again in the 90s. Chech out zthe Alstonians,the Scofflaws, thecToasters,and of course the Skatalites,Prince Buster,Desmond Decker

[@DesmoDreams]

Oh, what a great little film. Always thought the lyrics were great on my Girl, so personal but so universal. And ageless. I'm 50 years old now, but they still resonate :(

[@ady8084]

The video for My Girl was the first time that I remember seeing Madness as an 8 year old kid and I was instantly hooked. They fascinated me and Suggs was my idol from that moment on. I remember asking for a crombie overcoat for Christmas 1980, magical years for me.

[@andyjackson2406]

So glad I found and watched this. At the grand old age of eleven, My Girl was the first record I ever bought. As such, it forms an important part of the soundtrack of my life. Hearing it transports me back to a time long passed. People and places long gone. Bitter sweet memories.

[@raymondjohnson2]

One of my favourite songs,so thanks Mr.Barson for writing it!

[@ScottyAltizer]

This was great! Rediscovering Madness. Mike's piano is good classical music stuck inside a very skilled ska band. Great invention, great music! Thanks to whoever put this out there!

[@santitofelipe6283]

This is a wonderful documentary. Thanks Mike. Thanks Kersten. You can listen to any Madness song, any time, any year, and still feel as great listening to it as you did the first time. Madness Forever.

[@hansolo2121]

This is one of many episodes of the great Dutch television series Top2000 a gogo for Dutch broadcasting channel NTR. Check them out on youtube. They have done hundreds of episodes like this where they interview the creators of great songs we all know and love.

[@KerstinRodgers]

thanks x

[@mikebreen2890]

Brilliant! That music brings back so may happy memories, and some sad ones. Damn, I'm getting old.

[@nicholascrofts8638]

Barson was the brains as so was Jerry Dammers from The Specials both brilliant writers & musicians.

[@berndrohlfs7397]

Mike Barson is the genius responsible for the "nutty sound". Never saw an interview of him before. This record he hold in his hand ... it is one here at home.

[@DeNFlix...]

Absolutely love the 'Explained' videos, no glossing this one up, thanks for being honest Mike, and not 'fake'.

[@cwugrad396]

it is unbelievable how normal and down to earth he really is ... now wonder I have always loved this band

[@danfossard]

I lived in Crouch End for 15 years literally a few streets away from Barso and where they filmed the start of Take It Or Leave It. Legendary piano player. Makes it even better knowing he lived round the corner from me!

[@markrae1317]

I still live in Crouch End!

[@danfossard4626]

@@markrae1317 he lived on Park Avenue South in case you were wondering and that's where him, Lee and Chris first played music together back in the late 70s

[@SlackrUk]

I grew up with Madness. They were the first band I loved. And the older I get the more incredible this song becomes to me. The nuance of it all. Lovely video, thank you.

[@ctb1977]

I love the lyrics to this, not fancy or poetic, it just says it how it is. I'm a young guy, and it's nice to know the older generations had the same misunderstandings with women as I do

[@jimholloway615]

Some things really never change....

[@vordman]

It's eternal

[@davidhope2506]

That was great. Always loved My Girl by Madness. One of the best singles ever by one of the best singles groups ever.

[@johnharte6181]

Mike Barson the harpooning genius behind Madness. he wrote so many of their best songs what a top bloke love you monsieur barso 🙂

[@jimbyrne1844]

'Alright?' More than alright - 'triffic!!! Great insight and background information. Thanks a million for sharing this belter!

[@helengardner-briggs9991]

Beautiful piano,beautiful sax, beautiful guys such a pleasure to have grown up with this thank you forever ❣️

[@coachdeakes]

That was such a great insight.

[@freezerjoe]

What a lovely bloke....and a great song "... And then she says I'm weak" gets me every time.

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

Always wondered about this catchy song, interesting to see the making of it and quite surprising. That guy is really talented had no idea.

[@mateknif5895]

Have been loving this song since i was 15 ..!

[@briggaskin]

quality.... its great to hear what a songs really about.ive been playing that song since i bought it when it was released and you sort of make your own story to go along with it in your head. nice when its explained by the people who know. madness ,loved em in 79....always will.

[@celineellalheen9723]

Mike Barson and Mike Patton are my ultimate celeb crushes. Both genius. Both awesome. Both crazy.

[@lamper2]

I LOVE learning meaning of songs! & stories behind them-THANKS!

[@markpearson8184]

Great video, I grew up with that song from about aged 8, and it just stood out to me as I had older brothers in exactly the same situation, and a few years later it was me!! So true, and such a small humble, but very relevant song, even today. Great guy!

[@mod69]

Still stands up after all these years

[@neilbillybob3065]

BRILLIANT BRITISH TRACK.. THAT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME TO BECOME A CLASSIC.

[@revup67]

thanks for sharing, great story by Mike. interesting comment Kersten. I had promoted the heck out of madness on a radio show I had back in NY and club work. Drove the band (4 members - Lee, Suggs, Chaz and possibly Woody) around NYC after their Peppermint Lounge gig in NYC '81. Mike was indeed quiet and reserved, the complete opposite of Lee.

[@ragazzi25]

beautiful song and great chaps!!!

[@nickbarber2080]

This is a superb video...the last minute is pure genius...

[@Alan-ur9jo]

Awesome song from a legendary group.

[@toffee20]

My kind of bloke. Top man.

[@DamirUlovec]

1:40 My girl this, my girl that! Ha ha, great! Thumbs up, LOL.

[@TOSILENCE77]

Crouch End has changed a lot. Yuppies have taken over! Great little vid

[@HKGwai]

Great video. The idea of explaining the song and the glimpses of Mr & Mrs Barson in 2015 + back in the day are triffic.

[@KerstinRodgers]

I was never Mrs Barson. That honour went to 2 other ladies 😘

[@GrowingJournal]

Saw Madness play in Sheffield last night for the first time (I've been a fan since I was aged 11) and they were fantastic - just wanna see them play again now lol.

[@popogazbonaire5031]

Hi Mike thanks from Italy....I was in England at the time and I could hardly understand a word...but I loved your songs anyway and I still do after 40 years

[@noahlovesnesquick]

Woody looking like Tintin there. Nice insight, thanks!

[@kevinn5976]

Love this song. Mike is a Legend. 👊

[@Colsoloact-po9wv]

Mike is a very interesting member of Madness, the things she were saying sound true too I could well imagine Mike being like she said! LOL! Well at least he got a great song out of it and she must feel honoured surely at the song being about her?? Madness are one of the greatest bands since The Beatles...in their own way of course! :-)

[@KerstinRodgers]

I am honoured although possibly I don't come off too well from it. But I appreciate its realness. I'm at pains to point out however, that I've had my own career and achievements. I've written 5 books. I've won awards. In fact I only agreed to give this interview if the Dutch TV company also publicised my first book Supper Club which was also published in Dutch. Something they failed to do.

[@udofah68]

I was the black kid in their yesterday's men video and do you know what I am so fucking gutted that I never got to meet lovely holiday Michael barson . He seams so interesting.

[@julesshultz9164]

Love you guys xx

[@janra8653]

Brilliant, how I love this song and can relate to it :)

[@lincbond442]

This was great. Thanks Mike!

[@rhyspeters7192]

Whether your into ska rocksteady dub reggae roots or soul madness is a great jump off point!

[@jamesdriscoll7078]

Your music was my life I love madness

[@kimholland9316]

Love this song. Love Madness

[@joethelion6016]

Mike Barson ⭐️ signature sound of Madness. That rinky tinky slightly discordant piano is instantly recognisable.

[@nigelcarren]

It doesn't get more British than this! I always saw Madness as the anti-punk punk band. 🤔 Songs about real issues but mixed with sugar instead of salt! 🏆🇬🇧 Best wishes from an Englishman in a French forest. 🌞

[@HanzChristianNL]

Spot on. What a songwriter!

[@davidflorentin224]

Excellent!! Greets for a fan from Argentina!! Come here again please!!

[@ParaBellum2024]

Try identifying the subtle chords in any Madness song: it's impossible, since the guitar may be playing fairly simple chords, but Mike's piano lines turn them on their head, and it's those piano parts that make Madness unique.

[@UsacHunt]

It would be great to see Mike play my girl in it's entirety.

[@11matt11]

The original demo version from their famous first studio session is on youtube. A little different and more raw than Suggs album version. Suggs accent on the song always bothered me, as I thought he over did the accent. But when I listened to Mike's version, I realized Suggs was just mimicking Mike. After 40 years, I finally realized that. LOL Here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5KamqyCnMyJgrM

[@andyreynolds8117]

Very interesting...it's nice to see how the song come along😎👍

[@jdruggan]

love em all

[@paulwhelan7123]

Brilliant tune, great composition.

[@Sibow70]

One of my favourite all time tracks..

[@ColinsCapers]

watch this loads and enjoy it every time

[@roli112233]

'Yeah'

[@jonathanvince8173]

That is a great song and this making of is so important as true even to me.

[@makinoahcelloduo9008]

I think he expressed himself very eloquently indeed, especially in the song.

[@sharonevans5186]

Er...only in the song, that was the problem! 🤣

[@gmgroucho77]

Beautifully penned, arranged and performed song, written about real life situations. Not sure you could ask for more.

[@jennifersoria1804]

That was wonnnderful. Thanks for the inside view, always been me n aDAM LEES song. cheers.

[@FLAVCO]

Wow. My area. I bought my first single in that shop which was Baggy Trousers when I was a nipper. Madness still sound awesome to me now. Awesome vid!! 😁

[@PARDI62]

J adore cette version de "my girl" joué au piano...c'est magnifique et tellement romantique !!

[@josephmurphy7768]

mike barson the genius!!!...nice to hear from the mastermind behind the band...he just makes me laugh, so down to earth.

[@steveharris6711]

Brilliant. A joy to watch.

[@BassistBreakdown]

Great song

[@slowandcrystal]

Fantastic!

[@neilwalker342]

Brilliant to know the back story to a song I’ve danced and sung too since the release of it

[@ryanjsimpson]

excellent vid- great song

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Thank you for such a relatable song; I'm a man of many words, but, unfortunately, very few are about personal feelings...

[@nicobass1966]

Love them always

[@markhaylor1210]

Looking forward to seeing you and the boys in Birmingham November.

[@colob8438]

a great great pleasure to see this

[@hansolo2121]

This is one of many episodes of the great Dutch television series Top2000 a gogo for Dutch broadcasting channel NTR. They came up with and made the effort to create and film this interview. The uploader really should have mentioned this... Isn't it a copyright infrigement to not give any credits at all to the actual makers of this clip?

[@hislatestflame7861]

The ntr logo is prevalent throughout the clip.

[@andysmith8890]

Nice gentle bloke...his ex seemed lovely too

[@kevinfield3891]

i saw them in concert at hammersmith odeon when i was a fulham skinhead loved it and still do

[@livingamongzombiesashmore1388]

just realizing how brilliant Madness was

[@strachansdroneservices4870]

followed the boys since conception and have never seen this! Brilliant watch

[@jagmarc]

Back in the day when this song was charting there was a two-page article in a daily news tabloid directly inspired by this song, about about this aspect of relationships and as I remember there was a simulated photo of a guy relaxing on the sofa alone and the other side of the image represented the girlfriend looking at the telephone in her house thinking he no longer wants her

[@potatosalad9085]

could you find it? I'm not british but that does make me curious to see

[@deadlegification]

Superb really

[@elim1817]

Mike 🥰😄👌

[@kerrylester8437]

Really appreciate how damn good Madness were!!

[@katoness]

More insight on songs please?

[@caireen4]

My grandad Hugh used to live in Lyme Street in Camden Town and spoke to suggs on a regular basis . he drank in the pub across the street :)

[@Leo-gu5ml]

beautiful video...

[@Wendyj55]

I like how it's about just that ordinary feeling of being in a relationship with someone but often feeling kind of miserable in it

[@elena16350]

A touching insight to human relationships, I can relate to what Mike says in that song to closely, a touching insight on to what makes men the sad people they are, in some cases.