Created by Nick Rhodes (keyboards) and John Taylor (bass) in Birmingham, England in 1978, it later add took in Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (guitar), and Simon Le Bon (lead vocals). The band has sold more than 100 million records over their more than 40 years of existence, making them one of the best-selling groups in history.
Their songs are often vivid, hook-laden pieces dance pop that have fared well on the radio, but what many remember best about Duran Duran is their iconic music videos. Though many of the videos were tongue-in-cheek, the band has never quite escaped the glamorous and decadent 'jet set' image that their early videos projected. Their flashy outfits and strident, art rock influenced music showed an immense debt to 70s English glam artists such as David Bowie and Roxy Music, yet the band grasped a sense of their own identity and became one of the keystones of the new romantic movement.
Their first singer and one of their original founding members was Stephen Duffy, and their original bassist was Simon Colley. Several drummers and guitarists were subsequently tried, as well as a handful of vocalists, after Duffy left Duran Duran early in 1979. The band felt that they had something special with vocalist Simon Le Bon, and the group smashed into the pop scene shortly afterwards when "Planet Earth", their debut single, was released on 2 February 1981.
"Planet Earth" became an immediate hit in the band's native U.K., reaching #12 on the U.K. Singles Chart on 21 February, and it did even better in Australia, hitting #8 there. Being Duran Duran's first Top 10 hit anywhere in the world, the song showed the group's interest in international stardom. The band's eponymous debut album came out promptly afterwards in June 1981. 'Duran Duran' hit #3 on the album charts and remained in the U.K. Top 100 for 117 weeks, achieving platinum status by December 1982. The initial United States release failed to generate much interest at first, but the group was a British sensation due to their strident mix of pop rock and electronic music.
Music videos for hit singles "Planet Earth" and "Careless Memories" were filmed in December 1980. As they also experienced considerable success with "Girls on Film", which hit #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #11 on the Australian Singles Chart, the group firmly grasped the opportunity to make a name for themselves in musical television. As their fame grew, some fans worried that Duran Duran could have peaked too early. They headed into AIR Studios in London in early 1982 anxious to somehow top themselves.
Band member John Taylor came up with the new album's title, 'Rio', as a product of his fascination with the flaunting sexuality and diverse atmosphere of Brazil. He later said, "Rio, to me, was shorthand for the truly foreign, the exotic, a cornucopia of earthly delights, a party that would never stop." The band had their own plans and ambitions for promotion and reunited with director Russell Mulcahy (who was behind the video for "Planet Earth") to plan out the release of a full length 'video album'— eleven videos in total. Totally dedicated to on-site filming, guitarist Andy Taylor even contracted a tropical virus and ended up hospitalized, thankfully getting better relatively quickly.
'Rio' was, simply, a commercial juggernaut. The band's second studio album, originally released worldwide on 10 May 1982, reached #2 in the UK and #1 in Australia. Massively popular in the U.S., it earned a gold disc on 1 March 1983 and went platinum on 26 April 1983, eventually reaching double-platinum status. As songs such as "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio" received considerable airplay, critical acclaim also grew for the release. With MTV heavily playing the band's music videos, the album is still held as one of the best new wave albums ever. In April 2013, 'Rio' was even voted #3 in BBC Radio 2's 'Top 100 Favourite Albums of all time' list.
In 1985, Duran Duran performed "A View To A Kill" for the the James Bond film of the same name. The song appeared in the movie's title sequence and was also a best-selling single in its own right. In 1987, "Out Of My Mind" was featured at the end credits of the drama film 'The Saint' as well.
Like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran was among the earliest bands to work on their own remixes. From the very beginning, the band had a keen sense of style, and worked with stylist Perry Haines and fashion designers such as Kahn & Bell and Antony Price to build a sharp and elegant image, soon growing beyond the ruffles and sashes of the pirate-flavoured New Romantic look.
Although the group never disbanded, it went through several line-up changes over the years - American guitarist Warren Cuccurullo (formerly of Missing Persons) was also a member of the band from 1989 to 2001, and drummer Sterling Campbell was a member from 1989 to 1991. John Taylor, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor all returned in 2001 and created a stir among music media and the band's fans. Duran Duran released the first album from the reunited line-up, Astronaut, in 2004, which was in turn followed up by many sold out shows in England, most notably Wembley Arena, where a live DVD of the tour was filmed in 2004/2005.
In October of 2006, it was announced on Duran Duran's website that Andy Taylor had left the band. The band's latest album, 'Red Carpet Massacre' was released in November 2007. They performed the album live in New York City on Broadway at the Barrymore Theater, for what was originally scheduled as an unprecedented 10-night run. A stage hand union strike shortened the run by a few nights, but Duran Duran were able to re-schedule the shows elsewhere. They went on to tour the world, ending their successful run in December of 2008.
2008 also saw the release of a new DVD that documents the making of their now-classic "Rio" album (called "Classic Albums: Rio (Collector's Edition)"), and a book called "Would Someone Please Explain?"- a compilation of questions from the "Ask Katy" area of their popular website.
Duran Duran returned at the end of 2010 with their 13th album, the digital and self-released album All You Need Is Now which debuted at number one on the iTunes charts in many countries (including the USA). The physical version of the album will be released with bonus tracks in February 2011. The album was produced by Mark Ronson.
2015 saw the band return with the album Paper Gods, which was led by the single "Pressure Off" featuring Janelle Monae and Nile Rodgers. The album was the band's first top 10 chart success in the U.S. in over 20 years, and also reached number 5 in the U.K.
Official Websites:
http://www.duranduran.com
http://twitter.com/duranduran
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duran-Duran
http://www.youtube.com/DuranDuran
http://www.youtube.com/07duranduran
http://www.myspace.com/duranduran
It's My Life
Duran Duran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No silent prayer for faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud
It's my life, it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
Like Frankie said: I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky, got to make your owns breaks
It's my life, it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life) my heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said: I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life
Better stand tall when they're calling you out
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down
It's my life, it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life) my heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said: I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life) my heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said: I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
The lyrics of Duran Duran's song "It's My Life" convey a message of individuality, empowerment, and seizing the moment. The singer asserts that this is not a song for those who are broken-hearted or have lost their faith. They refuse to blend into the crowd and are determined to be heard. By shouting out loud, they assert their presence and make sure their voice is heard.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest. The singer acknowledges that life is short and fleeting, and they want to make the most of it. They reject the idea of living forever and instead proclaim their desire to live their life to the fullest while they are alive. By referencing an open highway, they imply that they are free and unrestricted, ready to explore new possibilities and experiences. The line "I did it my way" is a reference to the famous Frank Sinatra song, emphasizing the singer's commitment to living life on their own terms.
The second verse pays tribute to those who have stood their ground and never backed down. The mention of Tommy and Gina likely alludes to the Bon Jovi song "Livin' on a Prayer," highlighting the resilience and determination of these characters. The lyrics suggest that the future is becoming more challenging and that luck alone is insufficient. Instead, one must take control of their own destiny and create their own opportunities.
The bridge urges the listener to stand tall and not back down when facing challenges or criticism. The singer encourages resilience and determination, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to pressure or adversity.
Overall, the lyrics express a strong sense of individuality, encouraging the listener to seize the moment and live life on their terms. They highlight the importance of self-determination, resilience, and not being constrained by societal expectations. "It's My Life" serves as a rallying cry for personal empowerment and taking control of one's own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
This is not a song intended for those who have been emotionally hurt
No silent prayer for faith-departed
No unspoken wish for those who have lost their belief
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
I refuse to blend in and be unnoticed
You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud
You will acknowledge my presence when I express myself loudly
It's my life, it's now or never
This is my existence, and I must seize the moment
I ain't gonna live forever
I am aware that I won't be alive indefinitely
I just want to live while I'm alive
All I desire is to truly experience life
(It's my life) my heart is like an open highway
My emotions and desires are free-flowing and unrestricted
Like Frankie said: I did it my way
Similar to how Frank Sinatra expressed himself uniquely, I choose to chart my own course
This is for the ones who stood their ground
This is dedicated to those who have remained steadfast in their convictions
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
For the individuals named Tommy and Gina who have always remained resolute
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
The future poses increasing challenges, without a doubt
Luck ain't even lucky, got to make your own breaks
Relying on mere luck is insufficient; one must create their own opportunities
Better stand tall when they're calling you out
It is important to remain strong and confident when facing criticism
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down
Refuse to yield, stay resilient, my dear, never give in
It's now or never
It is the present moment or never
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Sambora, Max Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gonzaloortegacasado2234
0:01 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
0:06 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
0:11 Ghost Crab Ocypode genus
0:14 White-tailded Gnu Connochaetes taurinus albojubatus
0:16 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
0:20 Tadpoles, probably of toad
0:27 Reticulated Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata
0:31 Masai Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi
0:36 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
0:43 Tiliqua rugosa
0:45 Leopard Panthera pardus
0:47 Grant's Zebra Equus quagga boehmi
0:51 Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides
0:55 Indian Elephant Elephas maximus indicus and Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis
1:02 Long-toed lapwing Vanellus crassirostris and Diceros bicornis
1:10 Gemsbuck Oryx gazella
1:23 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
1:27 Sea Lion Otariidae family
1:29 Manatee Trichechus genus
1:32 Sea Lion Otariidae family
1:45 Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus
1:50 Squid...
1:52 North American Beaver Castor canadensis
1:57 Cuttlefish...
2:04 Ostrich Struthio camelus
2:17 Reticulated Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata
2:18 Grant's Zebra Equus quagga boehmi
2:21 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
2:22 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
2:23 Leafcutter Ants Atta genus
2:25 Mountain Gorilla Gorilla beringei beringei
2:26 Phoenicopterus minor
2:30 Spitting Cobra Naja genus
2:34 Probably a Right Whale Eubalaena genus
2:49 Common Stingray Dasyatis pastinaca
2:57 Flying Squirrel Pteromyini tribe
3:00 Polar Bear Ursus maritimus
3:05 Barbary Sheep Ammotragus lervia
3:11 Spitting Cobra Naja genus
3:12 Brown Bear Ursus arctos and Seagul Laridae family
3:13 Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus
3:16 Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla
3:18 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
3:18 Tiliqua rugosa
3:19 African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus
3:22 Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius
3:25 Pongo pygmaeus
3:29 American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
3:36 Hippopotamus amphibius
3:37 African Bush Elephant Loxodonta africana
3:39 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
3:41 Kangaroo, probably Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus
@DJAshTheBash4321
For those not in the know:
Mark Hollis was a Co Founder of the band Talk Talk, he was a lead singer, song writer, Guitarist, played the Piano too, born in Tottenham North London U.K.
Died February 2019 of Cancer.
A sad loss.
Thank you Mark for the great lyrics created…great music and for the fond memories you made and gave too.
❤It!
@leecromer3289
I’m 67 sat with a tinnie and whiskey chaser watching this on iPad and headphones remembering better times with a tear in my eyes..
@user-nf3vi1hp3v
let go bro move on and love the past
@martinhenderson316
You watch this for some escapism to remember the good times, and just realise just how crap this world is now.
@eivisch
life is a cruel mistress
@nereidapabon2904
I just wrote something similar, ❤
@diwamoto9237
I'm also 67🙋♀️💪
@callmewheels4806
I’m grateful that I grew up in the 80’s. This is such good music.
@deejaypat1
The best years in music !!!
@Veritas.0
The neon decade. Source for today's cyberpunk revival.
@kevinbouchard3906
@@Cookie-Taylor the woke brigade embraced it cause it was inclusive...duh!