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.
Fury
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hearts torn in every way
So ferry 'cross the Mersey
'cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay
And here I'll stay
Each with their own secret care
So ferry 'cross the Mersey
'cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay
And here I'll stay
I'm sorry I left me car's at home
Well you're late as well, that's three times on the run
If you're late again the supervisor said
We're gonna put you on ? J-B sign
The lyrics to "Fury" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood appear to describe the constant and painful struggles of life. The first two lines suggest that heartbreak and disappointment are inevitable in life. Despite these struggles, the chorus focuses on the love for one's homeland and the determination to remain there. The repetition of "So ferry 'cross the Mersey, 'cause this land's the place I love, and here I'll stay" emphasizes this point.
The second verse describes people rushing about with their own burdens, further highlighting the idea that everyone faces their own challenges. The final lines of the song offer a glimpse into the mundanity of everyday life, with a conversation about cars and tardiness at work. While this may seem like an abrupt departure from the emotional tone of the rest of the song, it serves to reinforce the message that life is full of difficulty and frustration.
Overall, "Fury" is a song that acknowledges the hardships of life but also celebrates the love and loyalty one can have for their homeland. The repetition of the chorus serves to reinforce this message and give the song a powerful sense of determination and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Life goes on day after day
The world keeps moving forward, regardless of what happens.
Hearts torn in every way
People suffer from emotional pain and heartbreak in various forms.
So ferry 'cross the Mersey
Taking a boat across the river Mersey.
'cause this land's the place I love
A love for the city and the people who live in it.
And here I'll stay
Determined to remain in the city indefinitely.
People they rush everywhere
Everyone moves quickly to get things done, but each has their own worries and problems that they face alone.
Each with their own secret care
People keep their problems to themselves and don't easily share them with others.
I'm sorry I left me car's at home
I apologize for not bringing my car.
Well, you're late as well, that's three times on the run
You are also late, and this is the third time it's happened in a row.
If you're late again the supervisor said
The supervisor warned that if you are late again, there will be consequences.
We're gonna put you on ? J-B sign
Your job will be in jeopardy if you continue to arrive late.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GERARD MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind