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.
Is Anybody Out There?
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would I be the only one
To with again if only I could take your pain away
And think of better, better things to say
The highest price I'd gladly pay
For you to live, just golden days, golden days, golden days
So celebrate the moment now, have all that you desire
We'll keep each other warm, together we'll weather the storm
The children are dying and nobody's crying
There's got to be something out there, someone who cares
Got to be something out there
Give me real life, the worry and the strife
I'll throw it out of the window, to the dogs below
So come with me I'll guide you through wardrobes of fantasy
And treasure chests of what could be
A world without anxiety
A legacy of golden days, golden days, golden days
Leave it all behind the blind leading the blind
Have all that you desire
Gotta be, gotta be someone out there
Let's break the rules scattering the jewels
Of joy amongst ourselves
The lonely, lonely of the shelves
Feel good about yourself, I'll drink to your health
Have all that you desire
[Chorus]
I'm looking for something, and I don't know what it is
The lyrics of "Is Anybody Out There?" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood offer a hopeful message about finding connection and joy in life despite its challenges. The first verse speaks to the regrets we may have in life and questions if anyone else can relate to those feelings. The singer wishes they could take away their loved one's pain and find better words to express their love. The second verse moves into a call to live in the moment and celebrate what we have now instead of dwelling on the past. The chorus then offers comfort in the idea of supporting each other through hard times and questioning why more people do not seem to care about the suffering of others.
The third verse takes the optimistic message even further, suggesting we can create a world without anxiety or fear. The language of "wardrobes of fantasy" and "treasure chests of what could be" encourages a sense of imagination and possibility. The bridge encourages breaking from societal norms and sharing joy with others, especially those who may feel lonely. Finally, the song ends with a repeated desire to find something out there, even if it cannot be named.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a belief that hope and connection are possible even in difficult circumstances, and that we have the power to create joy in our lives and spread it to others.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could change the things I've done
If I had the power to undo my past mistakes
Would I be the only one
Am I the only one who regrets their actions
To with again if only I could take your pain away
If only I could alleviate your suffering
And think of better, better things to say
And come up with more meaningful things to say
The highest price I'd gladly pay
I would willingly pay anything to make it right
For you to live, just golden days, golden days, golden days
So that you can live the rest of your life in happiness and contentment
So celebrate the moment now, have all that you desire
Live in the moment and fulfill your wildest dreams
[Chorus:] We'll keep each other warm, together we'll weather the storm
We will support each other through difficult times
The children are dying and nobody's crying
Many lives are being lost and nobody seems to care
There's got to be something out there, someone who cares
Surely, there must be someone who can make a difference
Got to be something out there
We cannot give up hope
Give me real life, the worry and the strife
Let me experience the ups and downs of life
I'll throw it out of the window, to the dogs below
I'll release my troubles and worries
So come with me I'll guide you through wardrobes of fantasy
Let me show you a world of endless possibilities
And treasure chests of what could be
And the treasures that await us
A world without anxiety
A world free of stress and worry
A legacy of golden days, golden days, golden days
Let us create a lasting legacy of happiness
Leave it all behind the blind leading the blind
Let us break free from the cycle of ignorance and confusion
Have all that you desire
You deserve everything you want in life
Gotta be, gotta be someone out there
There has to be someone who can help us
Let's break the rules scattering the jewels
Let's reject societal norms and embrace our true desires
Of joy amongst ourselves
And share the joy with others
The lonely, lonely of the shelves
Those who are isolated and neglected
Feel good about yourself, I'll drink to your health
You should be proud of who you are, and I will celebrate your well-being
Have all that you desire
You are entitled to everything you want in life
[Chorus]
We will support each other through thick and thin
I'm looking for something, and I don't know what it is
I am searching for something, but I am not sure what it is
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HollyJohnsonOfficial
I wrote the lyrics and melody of this song while my friend and partner was ill in hospital and I'd already lost friends to HIV infection I remember them all especially on . #WorldAidsDay
@masatenisiTR
Holly Johnson Still listening you, since 1984. Best wishes from istanbul
@yuccatree4298
Holly, this song is touching me after all these years. Whatever emotions you were channelling that day, they became alchemy when this song was born. Much love from Éire xx
@dominiquehierard5678
Beautiful song !!!
@fredveltman1127
after all these years , this song still get tears in my eyes..
@NidgeOSullivan
Holly if this is really you, great to hear you, and as I stated above, this song, from the first time I heard it, was bliss. Liverpool was a stunningly beautiful album. I am a severe Pink Floyd fan and you guys were the Floyd of the 80s. The song of my life, according to the internet is Relax. Just realising now, that is is. <3
@HollyJohnsonOfficial
If I could change the things I’ve done , would I be the only one ?
@elysiumfire4230
A painter with lyrics as well as the brush and the pallet knife, Holly. Hope you are keeping well, have what you desire, and if not wholly happy, at least content. Remain proud of what you accomplished. You and the lads brought a poignancy to millions at a time they needed it, along with a maximum joy of the times.
@archangelpoet
One of the best songs ever written on my lifetime.
Best wishes Holly and thank you so much for all your beautiful music 😍❤️
@massimoscollo8290
this song is the soundtrack of my life !