The Bad Shepherds play punk songs on folk instruments. Not as a joke, but because they really like the noise. They think the songs are better than people remember. They love folk instruments. It works. They do songs by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers The Jam, Sham 69, The Undertones, Talking Heads, Squeeze and others, even Kraftwerk! Alright, they're not all punk, but they come from roughly the same era. The songs are mostly given a kind of Celtic feel, with the odd reel and jig stuck here and there. But occassionally they just thrash! They've always thought the excitement of a reel taking off is the nearest thing to the excitement of watching punk live in the 70s!
Other musicians recording and appearing with the Bad Shapherds include Carol Dawson (fiddle), Eimear Bradley (fiddle), Keith Angel (percussion), Mark Woolley (percussion), Martin Allcock (bass), Brad Lang (bass) and Tim Harries (bass).
Their albums include:
Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera! (2008)
By Hook or By Crook (2010)
Making Plans for Nigel
The Bad Shepherds Lyrics
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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
He likes to speak
And loves to be spoken to
Nigel is happy in his work
Nigel fells 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
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
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel
Nigel
Nigel
The Bad Shepherds's song "Making Plans for Nigel" is a commentary on the conformity-focused nature of British society in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song is told from the perspective of an authority figure, presumably a parent or employer, who are making plans for young Nigel's future. The repeated refrain, "He must be happy in his work," highlights the pressure that is placed on individuals to find fulfillment and contentment solely through their professional pursuits.
The tone of the song is ambiguous - on the one hand, there is an element of genuine care for Nigel's future success and happiness. On the other hand, there is a sense that Nigel's own desires and opinions are being ignored or dismissed in favor of a predetermined path. The lyrics also suggest that Nigel is not particularly outspoken, and therefore may be more susceptible to this type of pressure and influence.
Overall, "Making Plans for Nigel" is a critique of the societal norms that prioritize conformity and financial stability over individuality and personal fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
We're only making plans for Nigel
We are dictating Nigel's life and future for him, without considering his own desires or aspirations.
We only want what's best for him
We believe our plans for Nigel are what is best for him and do not consider any alternative possibilities or options.
Nigel just needs that helping hand
We believe that Nigel is incapable of making his own decisions and needs our guidance and assistance in shaping his future.
And if young Nigel says he's happy, He must be happy, he must be happy, He must be happy in his work
We believe that Nigel's happiness in his work is indicative of his overall satisfaction and we do not consider any other factors that may be influencing his opinion.
He has his future in a British steel
We have predetermined Nigel's career path and do not allow him to consider any other options or make decisions for himself.
Nigel is not outspoken, He likes to speak, And loves to be spoken to, Nigel is happy in his work, Nigel feels happy in his work
We view Nigel as content and satisfied with his life as long as he does not challenge us and conforms to our plan for him.
Contributed by Austin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.