Embarrassment (song)

"Embarrassment" is a ska song by the British band Madness, released in 1980. It was the second single taken from their second studio album, Absolutely.

The song was written by Lee Thompson (saxophone) and Mike Barson (keyboards), and deals with the social stigma and family conflict associated with teenage pregnancy, specifically within Thompson's own family. The lyrics describe the pregnancy of his sister and the resulting shame and awkwardness felt by the family, particularly his parents.

Musically, "Embarrassment" is characterized by its upbeat ska rhythm, catchy melody, and prominent saxophone riff. The contrast between the lively music and the serious subject matter is a notable feature of the song, typical of Madness's style, which often combined serious topics with a playful musical approach.

The song was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. It is considered one of Madness's signature songs and is frequently included in their live performances. It remains a significant piece of social commentary within their body of work, addressing a sensitive and often-avoided subject with a level of frankness and empathy.