"I Pronounce You" is the debut single by English ska and pop band the Madness from their self-titled debut studio album The Madness. It was released as the lead single from the album on 7 March 1988 by Virgin Records. It was written by their saxophonist Lee Thompson and their co-lead vocalist Carl Smyth. The single features the non-album track "Patience" as the B-side, which is exclusive to this single. The song was recorded at Liquidator Studios in London, while the mixing of the track was finished at The Townhouse, also in London. Cover artwork The single's sleeve was designed by Dave Gibbons and Rian Hughes. The cover features a drawing in a similar style to the album's cover - resembling a face. Music and lyrics The song's lyrics refer to a bride's feelings on the eve of her arranged marriage. In addition to his usual guitar, Chris Foreman plays the sitar and the instrumentation used in the song includes the tabla which gives the song a more Middle Eastern sound. Chart performance The single peaked at No. 44 in the UK, lasting on the charts for four weeks after originally debuting at No. 48. Music video A music video was made for the song. It features an appearance from John Hasler, the ex-Madness drummer and manager. When their guitarist Chris Foreman was asked about the music video in an interview for Guitarist & Scootering, he said "On the one video we've just done we tried to be serious, but Lee's got a Mohican haircut and in a bit of it we dyed his face red and things like that". It later appeared as part of the 1992 VHS compilation Divine Madness, which was later issued on DVD in 2002 and as a CD+DVD set in 2005. It is notably the band's only single to feature a music video. Television appearances The one and only TV appearance of the Madness performing this track was on Friday Night Live, a cult late night comedy show hosted by Ben Elton. The band also played the album track "Beat the Bride" on the show. Critical reception Upon its release, John Aizlewood of Number One considered "I Pronounce You" to be "well worth the wait" and rated it four out of five stars. He commented, "Suggs tries to sing, there's a tasteful sitar or 20, and they sound suitably mournful." Music & Media, who