The Au Pairs – It’s Obvious

Post 1977, punk trundled along for a couple of years being shocking and fashionable, but then I heard The Au Pairs. They had the rhythmic doominess that had taken a grip of music as it hurled towards the 1980s, but they sang of feminism, sexism, Northern Ireland with the gusto of people’s poet Bob Dylan himself.

For a 16-year old encountering everyday 1978 sexism, prejudice and ‘A’ Level texts, ‘It’s Obvious’ by The Au Pairs was everything I needed.

When you read the lyrics now, with all the supposed sophistication, legislation and post-anxiety of the twenty-teens, the song still stands up proudly, musically and lyrically.

To all involved in The Au Pairs, we lift a mulled wine Christmas punch-punk cup. Cheers!

Spending time nowadays
Nowadays it’s nice
It’s paradise

Equal time
Equal spending
Yes it’s nice
It’s paradise

Nowadays you cook eggs
Equal breakfast
And again
In bed it’s nice

You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
You’re equal but different
It’s obvious (it’s obvious)
It’s obvious (it’s obvious)
It’s obvious (it’s obvious)
It’s obvious (it’s obvious)