My Girl

Released in December 1979, My Girl marked a pivotal moment in the early career of Madness. Issued as the band’s third single on Stiff Records, this deceptively simple tune about a strained relationship would go on to become one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and a tinge of melancholic wit, My Girl stood out from the more boisterous tracks on One Step Beyond…, foreshadowing the emotional depth Madness would explore in their later work.

The song was written by Mike Barson, Madness’s brilliant and often understated keyboardist. At the time, Barson was delivering bananas in a van alongside a co-worker who constantly went on about his girlfriend—“My girl did this, my girl did that.” Barson borrowed the refrain, twisting it into something more personal. The result was a song that drew upon his own relationship with photographer Kerstin Rodgers. Though the lyrics express irritation and emotional fatigue, the overall tone of My Girl remains oddly charming and sweet, delivered with a shrug rather than a snarl.

Interestingly, Barson was also the original vocalist on the song’s early demo, offering a dry, almost spoken delivery. When Madness were still performing as The Invaders, My Girl—then known simply as “New Song”—made its first appearance in their set in July 1978 at Blind Alley, a Camden Lock shop where bassist Mark Bedford worked. Eventually, lead vocal duties transitioned to Suggs, whose more rounded delivery helped the song connect with a wider audience. His interpretation, heard on the final version that appeared on their debut album One Step Beyond…, became definitive.

The single release of My Girl came with the B-side Stepping into Line, a brisk, punchy track that didn’t appear on the album, giving fans something fresh. For collectors, the 12” vinyl edition was even more enticing—it not only included Stepping into Line but also featured In the Rain, a more reflective and moody number that revealed a subtler side of the band. These choices of B-sides weren’t just filler—they broadened the palette of what Madness were capable of. From snappy pop to evocative mood pieces, even the flip sides added to the band’s musical identity.

Upon its release, My Girl climbed the UK charts rapidly, reaching No. 3 in early 1980. Its popularity was further boosted when Madness performed the song on Top of the Pops in January of that year. They had the distinction of being the first band to appear on the programme in the new decade, ushering in the 1980s with a tune that felt both timeless and forward-looking.

Musically, My Girl was a turning point. Up to that point, Madness had largely been viewed as part of the 2 Tone ska revival—a fun, frenetic bunch of nutty boys who specialized in high-energy numbers. But My Girl slowed the pace, offering space for emotional nuance. Its restrained ska rhythm, haunting keyboard melody, and conversational lyrics showed that the band could handle more than just dancefloor anthems.

The single’s release in 7” and 12” formats also reflects how the band and their label, Stiff Records, were attuned to multiple audiences. The 7” catered to the mainstream pop listener with its tight pairing of a hit and an energetic B-side, while the 12” format gave DJs and die-hard fans something deeper to explore. Today, both versions are cherished by vinyl collectors, not only for their rarity but for capturing an important moment in the band’s development.

What makes My Girl so lasting is its universal theme—love’s little frustrations—and its delivery, which strikes just the right balance between sentimentality and satire. From its beginnings in a Camden lock-up to dominating the UK airwaves, the song tells a story not just of one relationship, but of a band discovering their voice.

In retrospect, My Girl wasn’t just another single. It was the moment Madness moved beyond novelty status and showed they had something more to offer. The wit remained, but so did a surprising depth—setting the stage for the emotionally rich storytelling that would define much of their best work in the years to come. Whether spinning on an original Stiff pressing or heard through modern streaming, My Girl remains a quintessential Madness track—melancholy, melodic, and unmistakably theirs.