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.
Roadhouse Blues
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your hands upon the wheel
Keep your eyes on the road
Your hands upon the wheel
Yeah, we're going to the roadhouse
Gonna have a real good-time
Yeah, the back of the roadhouse
Yeah, the back of the roadhouse
They've got some bungalows
They dance for the people
Who like to go down slow
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, all night long
Do it, Robby, do it
You gotta roll, roll, roll
You gotta thrill my soul, alright
Roll, roll, roll, roll-a
Thrill my soul, yeah right
I gotta beep a gunk a chucha
Honk konk konk
Ka gancha each you puna eachya bop a luba
Each yall bumo a kechonk
Ease sum konk ya ride
Ashen lady
Ashen lady
Give up your vows
Give up your vows
Save our city
Save our city
Ah, right now
Well, I woke up this morning
And I got myself a beer
Well, I woke up this morning
And I got myself a beer
The future's uncertain and the end is always near
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, baby, roll
Let it roll, all night long
"Roadhouse Blues" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a cover of the original song by The Doors. The lyrics of the song depict the experience of being on the road, heading towards a roadhouse where they anticipate having a great time. The repeated line "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel" serves as a reminder to stay focused and in control while driving. The roadhouse mentioned in the song is described as having bungalows, which suggests it may be a rest stop or a place to relax.
The verses mention people dancing for those who like to "go down slow," indicating a seductive or sensual atmosphere at the roadhouse. The repeated phrase "Let it roll, baby, roll" is a call to embrace the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. It signifies a desire to let go of inhibitions and indulge in the pleasures of the roadhouse. The mention of a gunk, konk, and chucha may be nonsensical words used to create rhythm and add to the music's groove.
The song concludes with the singer waking up in the morning and grabbing a beer, acknowledging the uncertainty of the future and the imminent realization of mortality. The phrase "the future's uncertain and the end is always near" captures the transience of life and highlights the need to seize the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah keep your eyes on the road
Maintain your focus and attention on the journey ahead
Your hands upon the wheel
Have control and responsibility over your actions
Yeah, we're going to the roadhouse
We are heading towards a place of entertainment and enjoyment
Gonna have a real good time
We will experience an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience
Yeah, the back of the roadhouse
In the rear area of the establishment
They've got some bungalows
There are small, cozy cottages available for use
They dance for the people
Performers entertain those individuals
Who like to go down slow
Who prefer a leisurely and relaxed pace
Let it roll, baby, roll
Allow the enjoyable experience to continue without interruption
Do it, Robby, do it
Carry out the actions or performance skillfully, Robby
You gotta roll, roll, roll
You must keep moving forward persistently
You gotta thrill my soul, alright
You need to captivate and excite my spirit
Roll, roll, roll, roll-a
Continue moving swiftly and smoothly
Thrill my soul, yeah right
Provide a profound and exhilarating sensation within me
I gotta beep a gunk a chucha
I need to make a unique and distinctive sound
Honk konk konk
Produce a noticeable and rhythmic noise
Ka gancha each you puna eachya bop a luba
Engage in a rhythmic and joyful dance
Each yall bumo a kechonk
Everyone joins in a lively and energetic manner
Ease sum konk ya ride
Smooth out and improve your journey
Ashen lady
Melancholic woman
Give up your vows
Abandon your promises or commitments
Save our city
Preserve and protect our community
Ah, right now
In this very moment
Well, I woke up this morning
When I arose from sleep today
And I got myself a beer
And I obtained a bottle of beer for myself
The future's uncertain and the end is always near
Our forthcoming days are unpredictable, and the conclusion is constantly approaching
Let it roll, baby, roll
Allow the enjoyable experience to continue without interruption
Let it roll, all night long
Permit the pleasurable time to persist throughout the entire night
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, James Morrison, John Densmore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mario Mariusz
12" Maxi Island 12 ZTAX 22 ()
Rage Hard - Frankie Goes To Hollywood (Broad Mix) 8:40
Roadhouse Blues - Frankie Goes To Hollywood 4:03
(Don't Lose What's Left) Of Your Little Mind - Frankie Goes To Hollywood 6:36
* CHRISHAYRIDER68 *
Brilliant : )