MADNESS - MICHAEL CAINE

Released: January 30, 1984

Charted:  UK: #11 

"Michael Caine" is a track released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, "Keep Moving," Co-written by Carl Smyth and Daniel Woodgate, the song stands out with Smyth taking on lead vocals, a departure from the usual Madness vocalist Suggs.

"Michael Caine" is not actually about the actor but delves into the theme of IRA informers. The lyrics depict a paranoid figure, potentially a 'Supergrass'—informers from the Irish Republican Army cooperating with the British and offered witness protection. The song's connection to Michael Caine arises from a scene in the 1965 thriller "The Ipcress File," where Caine's character, Harry Palmer, resists brainwashing by repeating the words "Harry Palmer. My name is Harry Palmer." The actor recorded the line "My name is Michael Caine" specifically for the song, adding a layer of association to the song's narrative.

Initially declining the offer to appear on the record, Michael Caine reconsidered when his youngest daughter, aware of his decision, persuaded him to change his mind. She highlighted the band's popularity, ultimately influencing Caine to participate in the recording.

Woody explains how the song came about: Sequence of events. 1) I record the music at home. 2) I play the tape to Carl and our manager Matthew in a car on the way to i can’t remember where, Carl sings along to it as though it's an old song and says he had written some lyrics the night before. The music fitted perfectly. 3) Band rehearse song. 4) Michael Caine is recorded for “Keep moving” and becomes the first single to be released from that album.

The music video for "Michael Caine" drew inspiration from "The Ipcress File," incorporating elements like a shot lightbulb reminiscent of the title sequence from the television spy series "Callan." Additionally, the video showcased the shredding of a photograph of Michael Caine from the 60s, tying together visual references to both the actor's iconic roles and the espionage genre.