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.
Watching the Wildlife
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics
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On my way home, the state of Rome
People gliding on the floor
Pleased with life not needing more
Sunset on the river
People go home in the rain
Familiar faces on the train
Running scared, and staying sane
If you live by the sword
Well that's your own reward
So don't walk with me
Watching the wildlife
The beast within you
Eats your heart out
Get free from hate and get in love
Boys in the backyard
The girls are hanging out the lines
Washing the day, wash your troubles away
It's game we have to play
Ghosts are chasing you round
Things that happen in the past
Don't make that mistake again
The sun beats down the streets of passion
If you live by the sword
Well that's your own reward
So don't talk with me
Watching the wildlife
The beast within you
Eats your heart out
Get free from hate and get in love
Your own worst enemy
Get free from hate and get in love
If you live by the sword
Watching the wildlife
Watching you
The beast within you too
Watching the wildlife
Get in love, get in love
Watching the wildlife
We all live in a dream in home
We watch TV and drive a car
We go outside, but not too far
Watching the wildlife
We walk the water like a sun
Living cuts you like a knife
Living here watching the Wildlife
Get in love, get in love
The lyrics to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's song Watching the Wildlife describe the idea of living life as if it's a controlled experience where individuals go about their daily routines, chasing after pleasure and avoiding pain, rather than living consciously and experiencing the fullness of life. The song is a commentary on the superficiality of modern life, where people are passive observers of the world around them, rather than active participants. The lyrics use imagery such as the state of Rome, the sunset on the river, and people hanging out the lines, to convey a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, when people were more connected with nature and each other.
The chorus warns against living by the sword, a term that refers to living a violent or aggressive lifestyle, because it will ultimately lead to destructive consequences. Instead, the song encourages listeners to embrace love and move away from hate, to free themselves from self-sabotage.
Overall, the message of Watching the Wildlife is one of awakening to the beauty and depth of existence, away from the superficiality of modern life. It's a reminder to connect with nature, live consciously, and reject a life of passive observation.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching the wildlife
Observing the beauty of nature
On my way home, the state of Rome
Reflecting on my journey home and the state of my surroundings
People gliding on the floor
Witnessing people dancing and enjoying life's simple pleasures
Pleased with life not needing more
Feeling content and satisfied with what life has to offer
Sunset on the river
Watching the sun go down over the river
People go home in the rain
Seeing people return home on a rainy day
Familiar faces on the train
Noticing familiar people on my commute
Running scared, and staying sane
Feeling afraid of certain situations but managing to keep a level head
If you live by the sword
If you lead a violent life
Well that's your own reward
You'll get what's coming to you
So don't walk with me
Don't associate with me if you're violent
The beast within you
The violent tendencies inside of you
Eats your heart out
Consumes you and destroys your soul
Get free from hate and get in love
Let go of anger and learn to love
Boys in the backyard
Boys playing outside
The girls are hanging out the lines
Girls hanging laundry on the clothesline
Washing the day, wash your troubles away
Cleaning and freeing oneself from problems
It's game we have to play
Life is a game we must participate in
Ghosts are chasing you round
Haunted by past traumas
Things that happen in the past
Events that occurred before
Don't make that mistake again
Learn from past mistakes
The sun beats down the streets of passion
The passionate atmosphere on a sunny day
Your own worst enemy
You are your own greatest obstacle
Watching you
Observing your actions
The beast within you too
Everyone has their own inner demons
We all live in a dream in home
We tend to live our lives in a comfortable bubble
We watch TV and drive a car
Our mundane everyday activities
We go outside, but not too far
We only venture out of our comfort zone to a certain extent
We walk the water like a sun
We move around fluidly and confidently
Living cuts you like a knife
Life can be painful
Watching here the Wildlife
Continuing to observe the beauty in nature
Get in love, get in love
Learn to love
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN PHILIP NASH, HOLLY JOHNSON, MARK WILLIAM O'TOOLE, PETER GILL, WILLIAM HOLLY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Sauer
the potential they had is crazy... Liverpool is a masterpiece, listen to it 30 years later and it's still mesmerising.
Mike G
(Meaning they would have faded when grunge and gangster rap came in)
Mike G
Its good 30 years later. But in the realm of music. They were hip to the sound. Which changed 6 years later
Nick Heaton
@James M. Browne - thanks mate, I went and had a look while I was listening to the album. What an amazing job he did! He's had a notable career too, apart from working with Trevor Horn. Just found out he did the Dark Knight with Hans Zimmer.
James M. Browne
@Nick Heaton Horn’s engineer Stephen Lipson produced Liverpool. Did a fantastic job, too.
Nick Heaton
Frankie was always one of my favourites. Actually thought Liverpool was more epic than Pleasure Dome. It felt like an evolution in their writing. Was this also Trevor Horn?
Stew's Retro Reviews
Holly needs to get back with his band mates, sure they would be amazing together still. Make it happen Holly!!
Victoria Parker
Holly Johnson has got a great voice.
Res, Non Verba
When he's singing, yes absolutely.
Kaiser Edward Appah
End of an Era for Frankie after this one ☝🏿.