Meaning of Calling Cards by Madness

The Madness song titled 'Calling Cards' is a delightful and infectious tune that showcases the band's ability to craft catchy melodies with clever and playful lyrics. While seemingly a lighthearted song on the surface, 'Calling Cards' touches on various themes that are worth exploring with a creative and imaginative lens.At its core, the overall theme of 'Calling Cards' revolves around work and the various ways people navigate the job market. The lyrics paint a picture of a sorting office in the Old Kent Road, serving as a metaphorical hub for those in need of work. The protagonist of the song presents themselves as someone who can connect people to job opportunities, operating in a somewhat unofficial and underground capacity.One standout lyric comes in the form of "We don't want to mark each other's card, except the one you need." This line can be interpreted to mean that in the competitive job market, individuals often have to rely on connections or recommendations from trusted sources to secure employment. The theme here is the importance of networking and the weight that recommendations carry in securing job opportunities.Another intriguing lyric is "Temporarily out of bounds had to move office, clear out of town." This particular line suggests that sometimes circumstances may force us to take unconventional measures to maintain employment. It hints at adaptive strategies for job seekers who are willing to relocate or make significant changes to ensure continued work. The theme here is the resilience and resourcefulness required to stay employed, even in challenging times.The lyric "Dealing cards from up the Old Kent Road, I've been checked up on my heavy load" introduces the concept of illegal activities or less-than-legitimate means of making a living. While the song doesn't delve deeply into this aspect, it presents the idea that not all job opportunities are legal or conventional. This theme, albeit lightly touched upon, highlights the desperation and sometimes morally ambiguous choices people may face when it comes to employment.Further, the mention of "My twins work Brighton on a sunny day, they cover town with the shake of a hand, on a high come back coz of no come back, now they're working in the promised land" suggests a connection to the allure and potential benefits of taking risks. Here, the theme revolves around seizing opportunities and the potential rewards that can come from venturing outside one's comfort zone. It conveys the idea that sometimes, taking risks and leaving familiar territory can lead to better prospects or a more promising future.Additionally, the song includes references to various banks, such as "Allied Irish Cyprus Bank," "Bank of Scotland," and "Bureau de Change." These mentionings add an element of financial institutions and the influence they have on the job market. The theme of bureaucracy and the power dynamics between individuals seeking work and the institutions that control it subtly emerges. It underscores the notion that the job market can be influenced by external factors beyond an individual's control.In summary, 'Calling Cards' by Madness offers a playful and catchy soundtrack to a deeper exploration of work-related themes. From the importance of networking and recommendations, to the resilience required to adapt in the face of change, the song touches on various aspects of navigating the job market. It also hints at the potential allure of unconventional or risky choices and sheds light on the influence of larger institutions. 'Calling Cards' serves as a reminder that the world of work is a complex and dynamic landscape, where individuals must often be resourceful and engage in creative problem-solving to find success.