Jason, though, suggests a more working-class interpretation. Perhaps Nigel represents workers and those planning are paternalistic UK politicians who are shaping the working class. Nigel “must be happy in his work” and “he has his future in a British Steel”. And, as a good employee:
Nigel is not outspokenSo Nigel is basically supposed to shut it, do his job, be happy and (perhaps) vote Labour, which will keep this gravy train rolling. Of course, that all came to a screeching halt in 1979, hey?!
But he likes to speak
And loves to be spoken to
Nigel is happy in his work
We're only making plans for Nigel
It is easy to read way more into lyrics than the data can support. That said, I find it interesting (perhaps reflecting the time) that Nigel is a man. Is no one making plans for Nancy? The absence of women from songs about work is a pattern that is becoming more pronounced as the months go on.
And what about those Nigel’s who don’t want to work in factories, or who think that things could be different, or who have no opportunity to work? Artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and the unemployed are all missing from the sing (although that may well reflect the boundaries of the “story” XTC is telling).
We're only making plans for Nigel
We only want what's best for him
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel just needs this helping hand
And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work
We're only making plans for Nigel
He has his future in a British steel
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed
And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work
Nigel is not outspoken
But he likes to speak
And loves to be spoken to
Nigel is happy in his work
We're only making plans for Nigel
-- Bob Barnetson
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