Embarrassment - Madness

'Embarrassment' was Madness' sixth single and lyrically one of their darkest tracks up to that point. Primarily written by Lee Thompson, the song reflected the unfolding turmoil following the news that his teenage sister, Tracy Thompson, had become pregnant and was carrying a black man's child. The song describes the following rejection by her family, and the shame felt.

The song is a clear indication of changing times and attitudes as time goes on. The real life story had a happy ending, however; Thompson later stated that when the child, named Hayley, was born, the antipathy of Tracy's relatives dissolved.

My collection: 7" single no. 1796
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, December 4, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Embarrassment' / 'Crying shame'