Written and first recorded by Labi Siffre (UK #14 1972).
Hit version by Madness (US #33/UK #4 1981 |UK #6 1992).
Also recorded by Paolo Nutini (2007).
From the wiki: “The original Labi Siffre recording was released as a single in 1971, and reached #14 in the UK singles chart. It also appeared on his 1972 album Crying Laughing Loving Lying. Madness’ version was originally issued as a standalone single in late-1981 and appeared on their UK #1 compilation album Complete Madness the following year, and on many other Madness compilations since. In 1983, it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #33. Siffre made a cameo appearance in the Madness video as a violin player. Madness’ recording was reissued in 1992, and this time reached #6 in the UK charts.
“In 2007, Paolo Nutini also released a cover of the song for BBC Radio 1’s cover compilation album Radio 1 Established 1967.”