Go West quickly had a publishing deal and possessed a portastudio, but lacked a band or recording company. Peter and Richard decided, with support from John Glover, their manager, to find a musical producer, and record just two of their songs. The tracks We Close Our Eyes and Call Me found Go West developing a record deal with Chrysalis Records. The songwriting duo specialised in radio friendly, white soul sounds.
The band's debut single, We Close Our Eyes, was released in 1985 and managed to achieve the number 5 position on the UK Singles charts, #5 on the US Dance Club Play chart and also managed to reach #41 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The video for the song became an early favorite on MTV. This helped them to be voted the "Best Newcomers" at the 1986, BRIT Awards.
The duo's self-titled album also featured 2 more Hot 100 entries; "Call Me" (1984 - #54) and "Eye To Eye" (1985 - #73). The album also featured "Don't Look Down", which would serve as the prequel to what would be the band's first Top 40 hit in the US. The album hit #8 in the UK Album charts and #60 on Billboard 200 Album chart.
In 1987, they released their follow-up, "Dancing On The Couch", which peaked at #19 on UK Album chart but only got as high as #172 in the US. Ironically, that album yielded Go West with their first US Top 40 hit, "Don't Look Down - The Sequel", squeaking into the Top 40 peaking at #39. That song was a continuation to "Don't Look Down" from their debut album. However, "Don't Look Down - The Sequel" was excluded from the UK versions of the CD, which instead included the track, "Let's Build A Boat", which coincidentally became the B-Side of the US release of "Don't Look Down - The Sequel".
Later in 1990, Go West scored a top 10 US hit with the song King of Wishful Thinking from the movie Pretty Woman. An instrumental version of the song's chorus is also alleged to be heard in the production logo for Gracie Films (seen at the end of The Simpsons).
Go West website: www.gowest.org.uk
Bluebeat
Go West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the night you set me free
There was a blue sky falling
Nothing hurts like a memory
There was a blue wind blowing
All our promises away
Turning the midnight hour
Into the longest day…
My heart will have a bluebeat
'til you come back to me…
Baby You gave my heart a bluebeat
And now I know that I am gonna cry
'til you come back to me
That's how it's gonna be
There was a new star shining
On the night that I met you
Just like a blue moon rising
Too good…too good to be true
My heart will have a bluebeat
'til you come back to me…baby
You gave my heart a bluebeat
And now I know that I am gonna cry
I remember every word
Every little whisper
You walk into my world
And then you dance away
I just closed my eyes and you were gone
You know there was a bluebeat playing
On the night we said goodbye
Let it rain forever
This flame will never die…
The song "Bluebeat" by Go West is about a relationship that has just ended. The singer is recounting their final moments with their lover, and the pain they feel now that they are gone. The reference to "bluebeat" is likely a play on words, as it's a style of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and 60s, characterized by its up-tempo and jazzy rhythm. However, in this context, it refers to the blue feeling of heartbreak and nostalgia that comes with losing someone you love.
The opening lines set the scene, with the mournful tone set by the blue sky and the blue wind. The singer recalls the night that they were set free, but rather than feeling liberated, they feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. The image of the blue wind blowing their promises away is particularly evocative, indicating that their plans and hopes for the future are no longer attainable. The midnight hour is likened to the longest day, highlighting the sense of endlessness that comes with heartbreak.
The chorus repeats the idea that the singer's heart will have a bluebeat until their lover returns to them. They are experiencing a deep sense of loss and are crying out for their partner to come back to them. The imagery of the new star shining on the night they met is juxtaposed with the blue moon that was too good to be true, indicating that they were perhaps caught up in a fairy tale romance that inevitably had an unhappy ending. The final verse shows the singer still holding on to the memory of their lover, replaying every word and whisper in their mind. The line "I just closed my eyes and you were gone" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fleeting nature of love and how quickly it can slip away, leaving an emptiness in its wake.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a bluebeat playing
The music playing symbolizes their relationship and emotions.
On the night you set me free
Their relationship has ended, and the night of their breakup was significant and memorable.
There was a blue sky falling
The bad feelings and heartbreak that both parties experienced felt like the world was crashing down on them.
Nothing hurts like a memory
Memories of their relationship and love for each other are painful because it's a reminder of what they lost.
There was a blue wind blowing
The feeling of emptiness and loneliness from their breakup is in the air.
All our promises away
The promises and commitments they made to each other have been broken and discarded.
Turning the midnight hour
The night they broke up feels like it's lasting forever, with no end in sight.
Into the longest day…
The heartbreak and pain of their breakup is making time feel as though it's dragging on.
My heart will have a bluebeat
The pain and emotion from their breakup will always be with them, and the bluebeat symbolizes this.
Until you come back to me…
They hope that with time, they can reconcile and be together again.
Baby you gave my heart a bluebeat
The other person was a significant part of their life and left a permanent mark on their heart.
And now I know that I am gonna cry
The pain of their absence will cause tears and heartbreak.
There was a new star shining
When they first met, it was like they had something special and bright - like a new star in the sky.
On the night that I met you
Their meeting was significant to them and a turning point in their lives.
Just like a blue moon rising
Their love felt rare and special - like seeing a blue moon rising, which is rare and beautiful.
Too good…too good to be true
They couldn't believe their new love and relationship could be so wonderful and perfect.
I remember every word
Every conversation and moment they had together is cherished, and they remember every little detail.
Every little whisper
Even the smallest and quietest moments are precious memories to them.
You walk into my world
The other person changed their life and added meaning and beauty to it.
And then you dance away
But just like a dance, the other person left just as suddenly as they arrived.
I just closed my eyes and you were gone
Their departure from their life felt sudden and unexpected, like it happened in the blink of an eye.
On the night we said goodbye
Their breakup was final and heartbreaking.
Let it rain forever
The pain they feel from their breakup is so intense, they wish they could just cry forever.
This flame will never die…
Their love and feelings for each other will never truly go away.
Contributed by Katherine J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richard Gibbons
I have been looking for this song and lyrics for a long time. Saw these guys in concert in '94; an unforgettable performance. Without a doubt, one of my favourite songs of all time. Thanks so much for putting this up.
Thomas SHARONIARD
Peter Cox's voice is such a precious gift for ears
María Teresa Lefosse
Beautiful song!!!
Hector Arevalo Estrella
OMG! tears in my eyes... it's been so long that I have been looking to hear this song again!
nosaj atamolap
a big thanks to the people who are responsible for this. my endless grattitude to you guys, it helps me reconnect with the past happy and sad moments...tnx alot...i love it..
steamyboy69
my fave song from their indian summer album , Still have it in cassette, HAHAH
NOLA soulchild
I love this!
Jason Hanid
I love this song and there the best lads to bits
MinxLaura123 ASMR
Aww used to love this song
WOOPTYWOO BAM
too whom ever put this vid thanx so f*****g much