“My Favourite Waste of Time” is a catchy and upbeat pop song performed by Scottish singer Owen Paul, released in May 1986. The song was originally written and recorded as “You’re My Favorite Waste of Time” by American musician Marshall Crenshaw in 1983 as a B-side track. Owen Paul’s version transformed it into a bright, radio-friendly hit, marking the pinnacle of his career.
The lyrics of the song are playful and affectionate, describing someone who may not be the most practical focus of time and energy but is loved deeply nonetheless. Musically, Owen Paul’s version blends new wave and pop-rock, characterized by a bouncy rhythm, jangly guitar riffs, and a sing-along chorus. Paul’s enthusiastic vocal delivery, combined with the polished production, makes the song an infectious earworm perfect for the mid-1980s pop landscape.
The song was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1986. It also found popularity in other European countries, earning Paul recognition as a one-hit wonder due to its massive success overshadowing his later work.
In 1983, American actress and singer Bette Midler covered the song for her sixth studio album No Frills.