There is a ‘construction’ feel to Jim’s prompts for Song Lyric Sunday this week, so the song ‘Our House’ seems to fit the bill.
The question is, though, which ‘Our House’? There are at least two songs I know with that title and it is fair to say that their respective treatments of the subject are rather different.
My first thought was the pretty little song by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young from the classic album Déjà Vu. However, for those who might be less familiar with the British ska group – and, arguably, national treasures – Madness, I’m going with their song with this title. It’s not a cover version, by the way, but – as the official video well illustrates – a nostalgic and affectionate evocation of British working-class family ties.
Father wears his Sunday best
Mother’s tired, she needs a rest
The kids are playing up downstairs
Sister’s sighing in her sleep (ah)
Brother’s got a date to keep, he can’t hang around
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our
Our house, it has a crowd
There’s always something happening
And it’s usually quite loud
Our mum she’s so house-proud
Nothing ever slows her down and a mess is not allowed
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our (something tells you that you’ve got to move away from it)
Father gets up late for work
Mother has to iron his shirt
Then she sends the kids to school
Sees them off with a small kiss (ah)
She’s the one they’re going to miss in lots of ways
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our
I remember way back then when everything was true and when
We would have such a very good time, such a fine time
Such a happy time
And I remember how we’d play, simply waste the day away
Then we’d say nothing would come between us
Two dreamers
Our house, was our castle and our keep
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, that was where we used to sleep
Our house, in the middle of our street
Our house, in the middle of our street, our house
Written by Chris Foreman and Cathal Smyth
the only deadhead in the hameau 
Oh I am so happy you featured this song – brilliant choice!
This song was on the radio all the time in the early 80s.
When I tried to play the video, the following message: “Video unavailable
This video contains content from UMG, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.”
I know and like this song, it is a classic!
Great minds think alike!
“Our House” was my brother’s favorite song when he was younger. I got him the 12″ extended mix but he never listened to it. He was more into tapes. Oops.
One of my first favorite bands, great song!
The video wouldn’t play, so I found it on YouTube and yes, now I remember it. I have heard it before and like it a lot. 🙂