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.
Relax
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess what's happening now?
Well
Whoa, oh
Well
Now
Relax, don't do it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to come
Relax, don't do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to come
When you want to come
Relax, don't do it
When you want to to go to it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to come
Relax, don't do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to come
Ah, ah, ah
Come oh, oh, oh
But shoot it in the right direction (hey-hey-hey-yeah)
Make making it your intention (ooh-yeah, ooh-yeah)
Live those dreams
Scheme those schemes
Got to hit me (hit me)
Hit me (hit me)
Hit me with those laser beams
Ow, ow, ow, laser beam me
Ah, ah, ah
One, two
Relax
Don't do it
Relax
When you want to come
Come, ah, woo
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
I'm comin', I'm comin', hey, hey, hey, hey hey
Relax, don't do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to come
Relax, don't do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don't do it (love)
When you want to come
When you want to come
When you want to come
Come-huh
Ow, ow
Ow, ow, ow, yeah
You see her, feel it
Relax, don't do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don't do it (oh-oh)
Relax, don't do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don't do it
One sound when it's time to come (hey)
Come
The lyrics to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's song Relax may seem straightforward at first, but they are actually quite controversial given the song's history. The song was released in 1983 and became a controversial hit due to its sexually suggestive lyrics, which were considered explicit and controversial for their time. The song has now become a cultural icon and remains one of the most popular synthpop songs of all time.
The song's lyrics talk about relaxation and urge listeners to refrain from indulging in sexual activities when they want to. The chorus features the repetition of the word "relax" in a seemingly seductive tone, with hints of sexual innuendos. However, the lyrics are open to interpretation, with some suggesting that the song is actually an anti-sexual behavior anthem. In any case, the song's catchy melody and provocative lyrics made it an instant hit.
Line by Line Meaning
Mi-i-ine
This is mine and belongs to me
Guess what's happening now?
Can you guess what's happening right now?
Well
An expression indicating agreement
Whoa, oh
An expression of surprise or enthusiasm
Relax, don't do it
Don't get too worked up or excited
When you want to go to it
When you feel the urge to do something
When you want to come
When you feel the need to climax or orgasm
When you want to suck it, chew it
When you feel the need to perform oral sex
Ah, ah, ah
An expression of pleasure or ecstasy
Come oh, oh, oh
Releasing sexual tension
But shoot it in the right direction (hey-hey-hey-yeah)
Ejaculate in the appropriate place
Make making it your intention (ooh-yeah, ooh-yeah)
Be intentional towards sexual pleasure
Live those dreams
Fulfill your sexual fantasies and desires
Scheme those schemes
Plan out your sexual activities
Got to hit me (hit me)
Engage in sexual activity with me
Hit me with those laser beams
An expression of sexual stimulation
Ow, ow, ow, laser beam me
An expression of pleasure and ecstasy
One, two
A simple countdown before sexual activity begins
I'm comin', I'm comin', hey, hey, hey, hey hey
I'm about to climax, I'm about to climax
Love
An expression of affection or desire
Come-huh
The moment of orgasm
Ow, ow
An expression of pain or pleasure
You see her, feel it
You can recognize and feel sexual attraction
One sound when it's time to come (hey)
An expression of readiness to orgasm
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mark OToole, Peter Gill, Holly Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind