The group's debut single, titled "Relax", was famously banned by the BBC and subsequently topped the U.K. singles chart for five weeks, enjoying prolonged chart success throughout 1984. Following the phenomenal follow-up success of "Two Tribes" and "The Power of Love", the latter being an emotional ballad experiencing seasonal resurgence over the years, FGTH became only the second act in the history of the UK charts to reach number one with their first three singles.
Things began to unravel in 1985 when their fourth single, "Welcome To The Pleasuredome", stalled at number two (success that many other groups would deeply envy, but they faced massive expectations). Their second (and final album), called 'Liverpool', took over a year to complete, reportedly at huge expense. The lead-off single, "Rage Hard", peaked at number four, and it was clear that the public had began to move on. 'Liverpool' sold poorly, despite critical acclaim and underground song plays, and conflict between lead singer Holly Johnson and the rest of the band led to an acrimonious split.
Johnson embarked on an initially successful solo career, but he quickly spiraled into obscurity. The rest of the band broke up completely after several attempts to recruit a new lead singer. Nonetheless, the group had proved hugely influential. Their three number one singles have been extensively remixed and repackaged over the years, and, despite their limited back catalogue, the band is generally seen as being one of the defining moments of the eighties. Numerous new wave and post-punk music revivalists look back to their aggressive yet stylish sound as an inspiration. The band is also known today for having a hit video game based around them for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64, giving them an interesting spot in video gaming history.
Black Night White Light
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It feels so good the angels can take you there
You better beware of devil may care
Tell me where you want to go
We are the leaders
Heaven's above and hell's below
We are the leaders
Giving it to you
We are the leaders
Black night white light
The other side of midnight
The pleasure seekers are dyin' to meet you
They need young blood the devil may take you there
You better take care he's every where
Tell me where you want to go
We are the leaders
Heaven's above and hell's below
We are the leaders
Sing hallelujah sing hallelujah
We're giving it to who
We are the leaders
Chasing the dragon
Get off that wagon boy, yeah
Rub your body up
Rope it up
Soak it up
Got to get on up
Throw it up
Show it up, yeah
Black night white light
The other side of midnight
Black night white light
The other side of midnight
We're on a journey into the light
It feels so good your mind can take you there
But why does it go your body and soul
Your body and soul
The lyrics to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's song Black Night White Light showcase a band that is determined to be the leader of their generation. The lyrics begin with the band proclaiming their leadership status, accompanied by the defiant line, "nothing can beat us." This is followed by the promise of an otherworldly experience, where the pleasure seekers and angels await to take the listener on a journey into the unknown. However, the band warns of the devil's lurking presence, urging listeners to "beware of devil may care" and ensure they take care.
Throughout the lyrics, the band continues to assert their leadership status, inviting listeners to join them on their journey into the bright and dark side of life. The verses highlight the struggle between good and evil, the light and the dark, with the chorus centering on the duality of "black night white light," symbolizing the opposing forces in life. The song ends with a plea for listeners to join them on their journey into the light, but questions why the mind is easier to awaken than the body and soul.
Overall, the lyrics of Black Night White Light are a reflection of the time it was written, with the lyrics symbolizing the political and cultural landscape to which the band was exposed. It is a song that champions the idea of rebellion and defiance, while urging listeners to be aware of the darker forces in life.
Line by Line Meaning
We are the leaders and nothing can beat us
We have unparalleled power, we are invincible.
It feels so good the angels can take you there
Our superiority gives us immense pleasure and takes us to heavenly heights.
You better beware of devil may care
Beware of carefree devil who may put you in trouble.
Tell me where you want to go
I offer you the freedom to make your own choices.
Heaven's above and hell's below
The options are either heaven or hell, it's your choice.
Oh sing hallelujah sing hallelujah
We celebrate and praise our power and strength.
Giving it to you
We are sharing our power with you.
Black night white light
The duality of life, the opposite ends of a spectrum.
The other side of midnight
The darkness lurking on the other side of night.
The pleasure seekers are dyin' to meet you
People actively seek pleasure and crave for our association.
They need young blood the devil may take you there
They are in search of new and young followers, which might lead them to the path of evil.
You better take care he's every where
Be careful, the devil and his followers are omnipresent.
Chasing the dragon
Chasing an elusive high or an addictive substance.
Get off that wagon boy, yeah
Stop following that path, boy, and come to us.
Rub your body up
Move your body sensually.
Rope it up
Tie yourself up and surrender yourself to us.
Soak it up
Absorb all that we offer.
Got to get on up
You need to join us to achieve a higher state of existence.
Throw it up
Let go of all inhibitions and surrender yourself to us.
Show it up, yeah
Show your loyalty and love to us.
We're on a journey into the light
We are on a journey towards enlightenment and liberation.
It feels so good your mind can take you there
The feeling of being on this journey is so good that it elevates your mind.
But why does it go your body and soul
But why does it affect your body and soul too?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HOLLY JOHNSON, MARK WILLIAM O'TOOLE, PETER GILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephen Barrett
LOve this track. Never get bored of listening to it. It might not be fashionable but it is fantastic.
Ronnie K.
34 years after this song was released it sounds actually like an evergreen, more than their hits.
Ian Alen
A historic comment.
You are the first who called a song by FGTH an evergreen.
Holly Johnson should read this.
TheGodParticle
This song so takes me back, jeez they were damn good times being 15 in 1984. I'd sell my soul to go back, even if it was for just one day..
David McG
I was 13 what a great time. Best time to be alive in Britain. I live a long way away now
Devon35
Same age as me, a very special and defining time. There were some very talented people around then unlike now :-)
todd shafer
You want to sell your soul for being able to experience one day of being 15 in 1984? ; OMG! doesn't seem like a very good deal. I'm kidding you and I know it was hyperbole. I love this song too...
just Me
Agree 100% same age, magical times and music ✊
Sarah Walker
Wow I was 18 and I they were MY group
Stephen Barrett
Still and always love this much underrated song.