Shortly after, they recruited their good friend and photographer Glenn Gregory on vocals to complete their lineup for Heaven 17. Contrary to popular belief, they were not 'New Romantics' per se and had different visual characteristics than groups such as Spandau Ballet and the Culture Club. Like The Human League, Heaven 17 heavily used synthesizers and drum machines while taking influence from the minimalist electronica music of the 70s.
They had a few minor hits in their early days, including the song "Play To Win" that featured on the album 'Penthouse and Pavement'. Their debut single '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang' from the same album attracted some attention, became a left-wing anthem for a while, and was banned by the BBC because of its overtly political lyrics, but it still reached number 45 in the UK singles chart.
Major chart success eluded them until the single 'Temptation' (in which they were augmented by the vocalist Carol Kenyon) reached number 2 in the UK charts in summer 1983. Other songs from the same album, The Luxury Gap, also charted though not as high - 'Come Live With Me' reached number 5 in the UK, 'Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry' reached number 17, and 'Let Me Go', reaching 41 in November 1982. The album itself charted at their best ever position, number four.
At the end of 1983, the band helped re-launch Tina Turner's solo career, producing and providing backing vocals on her debut hit 'Let's Stay Together'. 1984 featured the release of the moderately successful How Men Are, which reached number 12.
The band also worked on the Band Aid single at the end of 1984, with Gregory supplying vocals alongside Midge Ure and Sting. However, they did not perform at Live Aid the following year.
Pleasure One (featuring the single 'Trouble') appeared in 1986 and it was followed up in 1988 with Teddy Bear, Duke & Psycho (featuring the single 'Train Of Love In Motion'). The early 90's were a quiet period for the band and they wouldn't work together as Heaven 17 until 1996's Bigger Than America. In the preceding years, Marsh and Ware produced a second B.E.F. album to 1981's original Music of Quality and Distinction and Gregory formed the band Ugly. Ware became an in-demand producer, working for the likes of Terence Trent D'Arby, Alison Moyet and Erasure. 2005 saw the release of the long-awaited Before After; the album having a much more contemporary dance sound compared to previous albums.
Key to the World
Heaven 17 Lyrics
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But I'm heading for a crash
I'm sick of living fast
And running short of cash
Tell me what's so bad about wanting to feel so good
I want a better life
And I'd like to buy one if I could
I've got my key
Liquidity don't bother me
I've got my key to the world
They'll send me all their money
And all I have to do is sign
Living in a big way
A winner all the time
In just five golden hours
I'd bought myself a car
I sold my soul for charge plate gold
We know who you are
My key to the world
It's all too easy
Buying items on your wish list
It's easier than you think
But trying to fill the luxury gap
Has pushed me to the brink
To friends I am a legend
The man who had them beat
But to the credit agencies
I'm Mr. Obsolete, delete!
My key to the world
The song "Key to the World" by Heaven 17 talks about the desire for a better life, one that is filled with luxury and comfort. The singer is tired of the fast-paced and cash-shortage lifestyle and wants to feel good. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his dream of living in a big way and being a winner all the time. The listener understands that the singer is willing to sell his soul and even be indebted to credit agencies as long as he gets to live in the luxury that he has always dreamed of. The phrase "I've got my key to the world" is a metaphorical representation of the singer's desire to unlock the door to the luxurious life he desires.
The song is a commentary on the emptiness of materialism. The singer's desires are not genuine, but they are driven by societal pressures and the need to feel important. The lyrics suggest that the pursuit of wealth and luxury can lead to one's demise. The song portrays the pitfalls of consumer culture and the desire to have what we cannot afford. It is also a scathing critique of the credit industry and their predatory lending practices.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm working every hour
I'm working tirelessly and constantly
But I'm heading for a crash
My efforts will end in failure
I'm sick of living fast
I'm tired of constantly moving quickly
And running short of cash
And never having enough money to support my lifestyle
Tell me what's so bad about wanting to feel so good
What's wrong with seeking happiness and pleasure?
I want a better life
I desire a more fulfilling existence
And I'd like to buy one if I could
And if possible, I'd purchase a better lifestyle
I've got my key
I possess what I need
I've got my key to the world
I have the means to access unlimited opportunities
Liquidity don't bother me
I'm not worried about available funds
I've got my key to the world
I have the power to achieve anything
They'll send me all their money
Others will be willing to fund my desires
And all I have to do is sign
All I need to do is provide a signature
Living in a big way
Living a life of luxury and extravagance
A winner all the time
Always being successful
In just five golden hours
In a short amount of time
I'd bought myself a car
I was able to purchase an automobile
I sold my soul for charge plate gold
I made significant sacrifices to obtain wealth
We know who you are
The authorities are aware of your actions
My key to the world
My access to unlimited opportunities
It's all too easy
It's dangerously effortless
Buying items on your wish list
Purchasing anything you desire
It's easier than you think
It's simpler than expected
But trying to fill the luxury gap
Attempting to meet unattainable levels of luxury
Has pushed me to the brink
Has brought me to the verge of disaster
To friends I am a legend
Amongst my peers, I am significant
The man who had them beat
The one who triumphed over others
But to the credit agencies
To financial institutions
I'm Mr. Obsolete, delete!
My credit is worthless and should be removed
My key to the world
My ability to access endless prospects
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GLENN GREGORY, IAN MARSH, MARTYN WARE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind