'Embarrassment' is a single by the British ska and pop band Madness, originally released in November 1980 as the second single from the album Absolutely. The song was written by saxophonist Lee Thompson and deals with a family's dismissive reactions to an unplanned teenage pregnancy, inspired by the experiences of Thompson's own sister. Musically it leans on Motown and soul influences, with a prominent horn section. The single reached number four on the UK chart. In the early 1980s Madness grew into one of the most successful British singles bands of the decade.