Making Plans for Nigel

XTC

About Making Plans for Nigel

"Making Plans for Nigel" is a song by the English rock band XTC that was released as the opening track and lead single from their 1979 album Drums and Wires. It was written by Colin Moulding, the band's bassist. The lyrics are told from the point of view of parents who are certain that their son Nigel is "happy in his work", affirming that his future in British Steel "is as good as sealed", and that he "likes to speak and loves to be spoken to."The single marked XTC's commercial breakthrough. It spent 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart and peaked within the top 17 (the exact peak position is unknown due to a computing error by the chart compilers). As a response to the song, British Steel gathered four Sheffield employees named Nigel to talk about job satisfaction for the trade publication Steel News. In 2016, the song was ranked number 143 on the Pitchfork website's list of the 200 best songs of the 1970s. 


Year:
1979
4:13
921 
#3

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We're only making plans for Nigel 
We only want what's best for him 
We're only making plans for Nigel 
Nigel just needs that helping hand 

And if young Nigel says he's happy 
He must be happy 
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work 

We're only making plans for Nigel 
He has his future in a British steel 
We're only making plans for Nigel 
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah 

And if young Nigel says he's happy 
He must be happy 
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work 

Nigel is not outspoken 
But he likes to speak 
And loves to be spoken to (in his world)
Nigel is happy in his work (in his world)
Nigel is happy in his work (in his world)

We're only making plans for Nigel 
We only want what's best for him 
We're only making plans for Nigel 
Nigel just needs this helping hand 

And if young Nigel says he's happy 
He must be happy 
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work 

We're only making plans for Nigel 
We only want what's best for him 
We're only making plans for Nigel 
Nigel just needs this helping hand 

We're only making plans for Nigel 
He has his future in a British steel 
Steel, steel, steel, steel, steel, yeah yeah

We're only making plans for Nigel 
Nigel, Nigel, Nigel, Nigel
Nigel, Nigel, Nigel, Nigel
Nigel, Nigel, Nigel, Nigel
Nigel, Nigel, Nigel, Nigel

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XTC

XTC was a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1977 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" (1979) and "Senses Working Overtime" (1982), but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical (rather than commercial) success. more »

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Written by: Colin Ivor Moulding

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Origin
"Making Plans for Nigel" is a song by British band XTC. It was released in 1979 as the opening track on their third studio album, "Drums and Wires."
Band Member
It was written by the band's bassist, Colin Moulding.
Charts Performance
The song became one of XTC's most recognizable and popular ones, with "Making Plans for Nigel" reaching number 17 on the UK Singles Chart.
Theme
The song's theme is about overbearing parental control and the stifling of creativity and individuality, represented by the character Nigel who is being forced into a pre-determined life path.
Music Video
The music video for the song was among the first to be played on MTV when the channel debuted in 1981.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Making Plans for Nigel," including Nouvelle Vague, Robbie Williams, and Primus.
2001 Reissue
The song was reissued on a Virgin Records CD compilation in 2001, showing its continued popularity.
Cultural References
The song has been referenced in numerous TV shows and films, such as "Gilmore Girls" and "Hot Fuzz".
Steel Drums
The song features a unique sound, characterized by layered guitars and the distinct use of steel drums.
Accolades
"Making Plans for Nigel" was voted number 143 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Songs.
Variety of Genres
The song is described as fitting in the New Wave, Post-Punk and Pop Rock genres.
Single Release
The 7" single and the 12" single have different covers. Both are highly sought after by the band's fans, as they are considered collector's items.
Inspiration
Moulding revealed that the name Nigel was inspired by a school friend.
Legacy
The song is regularly covered live by other artists, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence.

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