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.
Look At Me
Heaven 17 Lyrics
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A precious smile poor little girl so pale and proud
Hold me
Control me
So proud
You're on the town you're on your own
Hold me
Control me
Don't run for home
I followed you I tracked you down
And now it's time to go underground
I've never been alone with you
So hold my hand and lead me through
If you say I'll make room for you
If you do exactly what I tell you to
The saddest face the perfect thing
It's time to face what's happening
Now that you're here
There's nothing to fear
Just look at me
Look at me
There's something I cannot resist
Let me tell you what it is
It's when you walk away from me
I promise not to set you free
Don't try to run I'm everywhere
If you escape then I'll be there
I know a place where we can talk
I'll walk with you, don't hide away
And leave me here alone
Not here alone
Alone with you
I think you always knew
Just look at me
Look at me
Look at me
Look at me
You're on the town you're not alone
I can't give up poor little girl so sweet and small
So sweet and small
Hold me
Control me
Please
Hold me
Control me
Look at me
Look at me
The song "Look At Me" by Heaven 17 appears to be about a person who is infatuated with someone else and wants to be in control of them. The lyrics suggest that this person has been following their object of affection ("I followed you, I tracked you down") and is now trying to persuade them to do what they want ("If you do exactly what I tell you to"). The repeated lines "Hold me, control me" reinforce the idea that the singer wants to dominate the other person. However, there are also hints of vulnerability in the lyrics, such as "I've never been alone with you/So hold my hand and lead me through" and "Don't walk away, don't pass me by and run for home". The chorus ("Now that you're here/There's nothing to fear/Just look at me/Look at me") suggests that the singer wants the other person to give them attention and validation.
The second half of the song takes a darker turn, with lines such as "If you escape then I'll be there" and "I promise not to set you free". It seems that the object of the singer's affections is trying to get away from them, but they are refusing to let go. The final lines of the song ("Hold me, control me/Look at me") suggest that the singer is still hoping to exert control over the other person, despite their attempts to escape.
Overall, "Look At Me" is a complex and somewhat unsettling song about obsession and control in relationships. The lyrics suggest that the singer wants to dominate and possess the other person, but also has feelings of vulnerability and desperation. The dark themes of the song are underscored by the catchy synth-pop melody and danceable rhythm, creating an intriguing contrast between the upbeat music and the disturbing lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a place where we can talk
I have a place in mind where we can have a conversation.
A precious smile poor little girl so pale and proud
She has a beautiful smile, but she appears weak and conceited.
Hold me
Embrace me and stay close.
Control me
Take charge of the situation and guide me.
So proud
Despite her weaknesses, she is still proud.
You're on the town you're on your own
You are out and about by yourself.
Don't walk away don't pass me by and run for home
Please don't leave me behind.
Don't run for home
Don't try to flee the situation.
I followed you I tracked you down
I pursued you and located you.
And now it's time to go underground
It's time for us to go where we won't be seen.
I've never been alone with you
We've never been in a private space together.
So hold my hand and lead me through
Please guide me and hold my hand.
If you say I'll make room for you
If you agree to my conditions, I'll accommodate you.
If you do exactly what I tell you to
You must do exactly as I say.
The saddest face the perfect thing
Despite her sadness, she still looks perfect.
It's time to face what's happening
We need to confront what is going on.
Now that you're here
Now that you are present.
There's nothing to fear
There is nothing to be scared of.
Just look at me
Simply gaze at me.
There's something I cannot resist
There is something I'm drawn to.
Let me tell you what it is
Allow me to explain what it is.
It's when you walk away from me
I can't resist when you try to leave.
I promise not to set you free
I vow not to let you go.
Don't try to run I'm everywhere
Don't attempt to escape as I'll find you.
If you escape then I'll be there
I'll be there to find you even if you manage to escape.
I'll walk with you, don't hide away
I'll accompany you, don't retreat.
And leave me here alone
And abandon me here by myself.
Not here alone
I don't want to be left alone here.
Alone with you
I want to be in your exclusive company.
I think you always knew
I believe you always suspected.
Look at me
Gaze at me.
Look at me
Look at me.
Look at me
Look at me.
Look at me
Look at me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GLENN GREGORY, IAN MARSH, MARTYN WARE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind