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
The Tracks Of My Tears
Go West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
I need you, need you
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute, she's just a substitute
Because you're the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
Oh, I need you, need you
Outside I'm masquerading, inside my hope is fading
Just a clown, ooh yeah
Since you put me down, my smile is my make up
I wear since my break up with you
Baby, take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
Now baby, baby
Baby, take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
The tracks of my tears
People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue, I'm blue
The song "The Tracks of My Tears" by Go West is a cover of a classic track originally released in 1965 by The Miracles, written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. The song's lyrics speak of hiding one's true emotions behind a smile and a joke, all while still feeling the pain of a lost love. The singer presents themselves as the life of the party, able to tell a joke or two and laugh heartily, however, the lyrics suggest a deeper sadness underneath the outward facade. The lyrics are filled with strong metaphors, such as "the tracks of my tears," that describe the pain and tears left behind by the end of a significant relationship.
The first verse sets the tone for the song - the singer is trying to put on a brave face and keep up appearances, but their laughter and merriment mask a deeper sadness. The second verse establishes the fact that the singer is still stuck on their ex, using a new girlfriend as a simple stand-in for their lost love. The metaphor of the mask is continued in the third verse, where the singer confesses to feeling like a clown, hiding their true emotions behind a smile. The song's powerful and moving lyrics speak to the pain and heartache that can come with losing someone you love, while also recognizing the need to keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
People say I'm the life of the party
Others think I'm outgoing and fun
'Cause I tell a joke or two
That's because I try to hide my true emotions with humor
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
I may seem happy, but it's really just a façade
Deep inside I'm blue
I'm really sad and unhappy
So take a good look at my face
If you observe me more closely,
You'll see my smile looks out of place
you'll notice my smile doesn't match my true emotions
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
In fact, it's quite obvious
The tracks of my tears
I'm crying inside
I need you, need you
I'm deeply longing for you
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you catch me with someone else since you left me
Seeming like I'm having fun
Even though it appears I'm enjoying myself
Although she may be cute, she's just a substitute
She's not you, only a temporary replacement
Because you're the permanent one
You're the one I truly want to be with
Outside I'm masquerading, inside my hope is fading
I'm pretending on the outside, but losing hope on the inside
Just a clown, ooh yeah
I'm just a jester or a fool
Since you put me down, my smile is my make up
Ever since you broke my heart, my smile is just a cover up
I wear since my break up with you
I use it as a way to mask my sadness
Baby, take a good look at my face
My love, please observe me carefully
Now baby, baby
My dear, my darling
The tracks of my tears
My sadness and pain
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Iricom US Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, William Robinson Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenspouse8587
one of the best cover songs ever recorded.
@kevinbagnell7825
Good but.. https://youtu.be/Vs2UlOai2RU
@fizzyfeetsmith2131
Go West are amazing and still out there playing gigs and as always, sounding incredible live. Look them up, they are still touring. Life time fan.
@Nickthenuisance
Brilliant song and Go West are a top group, enough said
@francinesalita8764
I'm 17 years old but this album is my all time fave! <3
Glad I found this on youtube <3
@michaelgerald9151982
You have a great taste in music, Francine! That's right, don't just go with what's new. Discover older but better material. :)
@coolpao11
thanks for posting the songs of go west...
@Moxx808
Great voice and it really suits this track.
@x.glitter_in_my_veins.x
Hot damn! Peter Cox & his voice are sha'mokinnnn! 😍🤤🔥🚒🚨 I've had a crush on him ever since I was a child and I asked for the Go West "Indian Summer" album for my birthday. I love the way he wears those jeans....yeah baby!!! 🥵 LOLLLLL #RedAlert ♨️
@carminabanzon3303
Love this ❤️ song...2020 pandemic year...