"Making Plans for Nigel" is a song written by Colin Moulding. It appeared on the 1979 album Drums And Wires. It is one of the most popular XTC songs written by Colin.
In Japan the song is known as "Bear Up Nigel."
A promo film was shot featuring Andy Partridge, dressed in clown makeup, forcing the titular Nigel into a job he wants no part of.
A live version was released in 1998 on the Transistor Blast box set.
XTC appeared on the U.K. T.V. show Top of the Pops twice lipsyncing this track.
Single Tracklisting[]
Single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel" 4:13 (Moulding)
- B-side 1: "Bushman President (Homo Safari No. 2)" 3:10 (Andy Partridge)
- B-side 2: "Pulsing, Pulsing" 1:36 (Partridge)
Holland single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side: "Outside World" (Partridge)
France single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side: "Life Begins at the Hop"
Australia, Japan single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side 1: "Are You Receiving Me? (live)" (Partridge)
- B-side 2: "This is Pop? (live)" (Partridge)
- Japan single has the b-sides in reverse order
US single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side 1: "This is Pop? (single version)"
- B-side 2: "Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)"
Promo single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side: "Making Plans for Nigel (mono)"
Old Gold UK single[]
- A-side: "Making Plans for Nigel"
- B-side: "Senses Working Overtime (single edit)" 4:33 (Partridge)
Lyrics[]
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 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
And if young Nigel says he's 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
Nigel is 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 in his work
Videos[]
Promo[]
Promo video for "Making Plans for Nigel." Uploaded by YouTube user "ecallender."
Top of the Pops[]
Live on Top of the Pops. Uploaded by YouTube user "ferrari808."