Madness - My Girl - Explained

Mike Barson talks 'My Girl'
www.madness.co.uk
/ madnessofficial
/ madnessnews
/ madnessband

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@p28-e7j]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@richardwellend3806]

It doesn't matter how old this music is anymore because now its timeless ❤

[@todareistodomyfoot8403]

Love all the members of Madness, they're great lads but Mike is actually the funniest of the lot, he's a natural born comedian and he doesn't even have to try. He's so laid back and well spoken but his thought process has no filter and he just says it as he sees it. They should have gotten a lot more interviews out of him, as I remember one interview where he kept making Suggs laugh but he wasn't meaning to do so as he was just being himself. He was like the father of the group who everyone looked unto for guidance. The guy that had the musical nous was the day of all his crazy band mates lol. He had to teach them and keep them all in line.

[@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 :(

[@steveholmes3471]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BruceLee-zd9bw]

Mike Barson is without doubt one of the most gifted musicians to have come out of Britain. He is the backbone of most of the songs Madness have ever produced. Genius doesn't even come close. Total respect to a band that have stood the test of time. I salute you. 🙏🙏🙏👌👌👌👌👏👏👏✊✊✊

[@johnharte6181]

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

[@raymondjohnson2]

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

[@davidhope2506]

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

[@cs5982-n7j]

This is priceless. To see the actual characters behind a song that I played all the time...wow...thanks Internet. Thanks Madness!

[@nicholascrofts8638]

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

[@freezerjoe]

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

[@LdevArt]

Love what Madness did. Great songs. Superb lyrics and always brilliant videos.

[@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!

[@mikebreen2890]

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

[@cwugrad396]

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

[@DeNFlix...]

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

[@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

[@celineellalheen9723]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jimbyrne1844]

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

[@mateknif5895]

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

[@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.

[@lamper2]

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

[@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.

[@davidflorentin224]

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

[@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 😘

[@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.

[@neilbillybob3065]

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

[@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

[@mod69]

Still stands up after all these years

[@Alan-ur9jo]

Awesome song from a legendary group.

[@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.

[@TOSILENCE77]

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

[@KSt224]

Brilliant, Madness what a group.

[@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!

[@nickbarber2080]

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

[@noahlovesnesquick]

Woody looking like Tintin there. Nice insight, thanks!

[@joethelion6016]

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

[@andyreynolds8117]

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

[@strachansdroneservices4870]

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

[@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.

[@toffee20]

My kind of bloke. Top man.

[@kevinfield3891]

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

[@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.

[@rhyspeters7192]

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

[@markbailey1970]

Just one of my heroes - Monsieur Barso

[@PARDI62]

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

[@neilwalker342]

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

[@kevinn5976]

Love this song. Mike is a Legend. 👊

[@ragazzi25]

beautiful song and great chaps!!!

[@josephmurphy7768]

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

[@kimholland9316]

Love this song. Love Madness

[@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

[@shanejohnson7603]

Mike is the unsung hero of madness... he'll say he's not a hero... but he can't decide... that's for you to decide 🏁

[@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. 🌞

[@jonathanvince8173]

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

[@markhaylor1210]

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

[@HanzChristianNL]

Spot on. What a songwriter!

[@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.

[@paulwhelan7123]

Brilliant tune, great composition.

[@raphaelnoz7269]

such a beautiful song- so normal and relatable. (Prolly got this wrong again, but) does anyone else see ska as the child of Jamaican music and klezmer?

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

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

[@Sibow70]

One of my favourite all time tracks..

[@DamirUlovec]

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

[@alexgreen5064]

Madness mapped out my childhood in Kentish Town. They were all 8-10 years older than me and Woody went to Haverstock school in Chalk Farm where I went afterwards.....

[@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!! 😁

[@roli112233]

'Yeah'

[@jamesdriscoll7078]

Your music was my life I love madness

[@katoness]

More insight on songs please?

[@janra8653]

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

[@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 :)

[@markrae1317]

I first saw Madness before moving to Crouch End - in 1988!

[@makinoahcelloduo9008]

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

[@sharonevans5186]

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

[@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.

[@kerrylester8437]

Really appreciate how damn good Madness were!!

[@livingamongzombiesashmore1388]

just realizing how brilliant Madness was

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheOGdarkknight]

I'm with you mike they DO want a lot "tell me what you're feeling""tell what your thinking" sometimes I don't want to tell you anything woman!

[@sinord5288]

Talented. to look at him you wouldn't realise just how talented he is.

[@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

[@steveharris6711]

Brilliant. A joy to watch.

[@roberthiggins6401]

All madness instruments just fit great in all their songs but is it the guitar at the end of each bar in the verse? Just love that. Answers in the squit pit please, if you know. 👌

[@chasey2327]

always loved the intro to My Girl. it was different.