Night Boat To Cairo

Madness

About Night Boat To Cairo

"Night Boat to Cairo" is a song by British ska/pop band Madness from their debut 1979 album One Step Beyond.... It was written by Mike Barson and Suggs and was also included on the Work Rest and Play EP, which peaked at #6 in the UK music charts. The song was later re-issued as a single in 1993, following the success of the re-issued version of "It Must Be Love", but failed to reach the top 40, peaking at number 56. It was remixed slightly for inclusion on the band's eponymous 1983 album compiled for the USA. The song is featured in the 2011 Wii video game Just Dance 3. The song is often used by Madness to close live concerts, and "Night Boat" has passed into cockney rhyming slang as a term for a giro, or unemployment benefit cheque. 


3:31

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It's just gone noon
Half past monsoon
On the banks of the river Nile
Here comes the boat
Only half-afloat
Oarsman grins a toothless smile
Only just one more
To this desolate shore
Last boat along the river Nile
Doesn't seem to care
No more wind in his hair
As he reaches his last half mile
The oar snaps in his hand
Before he reaches dry land
But the sound doesn't deafen his smile
Just pokes at wet sand
With an oar in his hand
Floats off down the river Nile
Floats off down the river Nile
(All aboard, night boat to Cairo!)
(Night boat to Cairo!)

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Madness

Madness are an English ska band from Camden Town, London, that formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival, they continue to perform with their most recognised line-up of seven members. more »

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Written by: CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, GRAHAM MCPHERSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON, MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, MICHAEL BARSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Information
"Night Boat to Cairo" was released by a British band called "Madness". The band is known for its fusion of reggae, pop, and ska music.
Release Year
The song was released in the year 1979, contributing to the late 70’s British Ska revival movement.
Album History
"Night Boat to Cairo" is part of the band's debut album, "One Step Beyond". This album was instrumental in propelling the band to fame.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "Night Boat to Cairo" did not achieve chart success on its initial release. Instead, it reached the UK Singles Chart only when re-released in 1980 as part of the "Work Rest and Play" EP.
Music Video
The music video of "Night Boat to Cairo" features band member Suggs in Middle Eastern attire, performing against a cartoon-style background of Egyptian pyramids, contributing to the song's playful tone.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics are noted for their surreal quality. They describe a trip down the Nile River and a night-time journey to Cairo, lending an exotic mood to the track.
Live Performance Traditions
During live performances of "Night Boat to Cairo", it's a tradition for audience members to dress like fez-wearing Egyptians and make rowing motions, reflecting the song's nautical theme.
Band Lineup
"Night Boat to Cairo" was performed by the seven original members of Madness namely Graham "Suggs" McPherson, Mike Barson, Chris Foreman, Lee Thompson, Mark Bedford, Daniel Woodgate, and Carl Smyth.
Unique Sound
The keyboard riff and saxophone solo in "Night Boat to Cairo" is often regarded as the band's characteristic sound, contributing to their unique musical style.
Legacy
"Night Boat to Cairo" is one of Madness's most popular songs, and continues to be a favorite to play at their live performances. The song also often features on ska and new wave compilation albums.

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