My Perfect Cousin

Super Furry Animals, The Undertones

About My Perfect Cousin

"My Perfect Cousin" is a song by Northern Irish punk rock band the Undertones. The song – inspired by an actual cousin of one of the band members – was written during the summer of 1979 and recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum in December 1979."My Perfect Cousin" was the first of two singles to be released from the band's Hypnotised LP (the second being "Wednesday Week"), and was released on 28 March 1980. The single reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's only top 10 single. "My Perfect Cousin" was voted number 30 in the 1980 NME singles of the year poll. 


Year:
2005
2:35
489 
#3

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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 ..

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

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The Undertones

The Undertones are a punk rock/New Wave band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975. From the period of 1975 to 1983, the Undertones consisted of Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John O'Neill (rhythm guitar, vocals), Damian O'Neill (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Bradley (bass, vocals) and Billy Doherty (drums). Although much of the earlier Undertones material drew influence from punk rock and new wave, the Undertones also incorporated elements of rock, glam rock and post-punk into material released after 1979, before citing soul and Motown as the influence for the material released upon their final album. The Undertones released thirteen singles and four studio albums between 1978 and 1983 before Sharkey announced his intention to leave the band in May 1983, cit… more »

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Written by: DAMIAN STEPHEN O'NEILL, MICHAEL BRADLEY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"My Perfect Cousin" is a single by Northern Irish punk-rock band, The Undertones. It was released as the first single from their second album, "Hypnotised" in 1980.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's highest charting single in their entire career.
Song Theme
The lyrics, written by band's frontman Feargal Sharkey and guitarist John O'Neill, talk about a goody-goody cousin who is always outdoing the author in school, sports, and social life.
Song Inspiration
O'Neill wrote the song inspired by a real-life cousin Kevin, whom he found annoying for always doing better than him.
Video Game Reference
The line in the song, "His mother bought him a synthesizer, got the Human League into advise her" is a nod to the popularity of the video game Pong, and the rising fame of the synth-pop band The Human League, in the late 1970s.
Critic Response
Critics praised the song for its catchy melody alongside its lyric's sarcastic and humorous take on the frustrating rivalry within the family.
Music Video
The music video for the song features the Undertones playing a game of Subbuteo, a tabletop football game, which was popular in the history of British indie music videos.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including English indie-rock band The Cribs, which shows its lasting impression in the music industry.
Later Recognition
"My Perfect Cousin" was later included in the compilation album, "Teenage Kicks: The Best Of The Undertones" showing its lasting popularity among fans of the band.
Instrumentation
Notably, the song features the use of piano and synthesizer, marking a departure from the Undertones' traditional punk sound. This represented the band's evolving musical style and willingness to experiment with new sounds.

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