My Perfect Cousin

21/11/20
Other Music

My Perfect Cousin

In 1980, the Undertones released their sixth single, "My Perfect Cousin". The song, which had been written in the summer of 1979 by Damian O'Neill and Michael Bradley, reached number 9; their highest charting single in the UK.

Current members:

  • John O'Neill – rhythm guitar and backing vocals
  • Michael Bradley – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Billy Doherty – drums
  • Damian O'Neill – lead guitar, keyboards and backing vocals
  • Paul McLoone – lead vocals

Bradley joined his school friend's group in Derry, Northern Ireland in the summer of 1974. They had two guitars and no singer. Four years later the Undertones recorded 'Teenage Kicks', John Peel's favourite record and became one of the most cherished UK bands of the post punk era.

In 2016, Michael Bradley (Bass and Vocals) describes the scene back then, in his book 'Teenage Kicks, My Life as an Undertone'.

A cracking read that captures the camaraderie and raw enthusiasm of their experiences with Bradley's anecdotal frankness, modesty and humour.

A tale for anyone trying their best not to grow up...

Lyrics

Now I've got a cousin called Kevin

He's sure to go to heaven

Always spotless clean and neat

The smoothest you can get them

He's got a fur lined sheepskin jacket

My ma said they cost a packet

She won't even let me explain

That me and Kevin were just not the same

----

Oh my perfect cousin

What I like to do he doesn't

He's his family's private joy

His mothers little golden boy

He's gotta a grade in economics

Maths - physics and bionics

He thinks that I'm a cabbage

'cause I hate university challenge

Even at the age of ten

Smart boy Kevin was a smart boy then

He always beat me at Subbuteo

'cause he flicked the kick

And I didn't know

Oh my perfect cousin

What I like to do he doesn't

He's his family's private joy

His mothers little golden boy

----

His mother bought him a synthesizer

Got the Human League into advise her

Now he's making lots of noise

Playing along with the art school boys

Girls try to attract his attention

But what a shame it's in vain total rejection

He will never be left on the shelf

'cause Kevin he's in love with himself

----

Oh my perfect cousin

What I like to do he doesn't

He's his family's private joy

His mothers little golden boy

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