Although they lived near Hamburg, Germany since 1981, they had actually met when they were at school in London. They were formed in 1986 as a vehicle for songwriter and producer - Ralf-René Maué. Their musical style was catchy and highly infectious Eurobeat dance music combined with choreography acquired during their experience as Rollerblade dancers prior to forming London Boys. Consequently their early releases were marketed towards the Eurodisco scene.
They are remembered mainly for singles from their classic 1989 album The Twelve Commandments Of Dance, which peaked at No.2 on the UK charts. Most notable of these songs were London Nights, which peaked at No.2, and Requiem, which reached No.4 and was their breakthrough chart entry in April 1989. Another single, a remixed version of their 1987 release Harlem Desire, reached No.17.
Their second album "Sweet Soul Music" was released in 1991 and the 3rd album "Love 4 Unity" in 1993. The 4th album "Hallelujah Hits" was released in 1995. This album was relased under the name of "The New London Boys" and it was a combination of religious music and eurobeat dance music.
Harlem Desire
London Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"big apple" makes you pay the price
In New York, yeah, yeah,
Walk down the avenue
Might as well be on the moon
In New York, yeah, yeah
There's trouble in the dark
Look out!
The trail of the shark
In New York, yeah, yeah
Oh, look out!
They know all the tricks
Look out!
Better make it quick
You hear them laughing right behind you:
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Harlem desire!
Let our childrun play with toys
'n no more guns for little boys
This is my harlem desire!
Just one night of peaceful sleep
And no more fighting in the streets, yeah
Ha ha ha ha Harlem!
In: ha ha ha ha Harlem!
In: ha ha ha ha Harlem!
In: ha ha ha ha Harlem!
Candy's kinda neat
But "sugar-hill" is bitter sweet
In New York, yeah, yeah
So you cry out, 'n never leave
'cause Harlem road's a oneway-street
In New York, yeah, yeah
The song “Harlem Desire” by London Boys describes the harsh reality of living in New York, particularly in the Harlem area. The lyrics paint a picture of a tough and dangerous environment, where trouble and crime lurk around the corner. The song is critical of the “big apple” and highlights the high price one needs to pay to survive in New York City. The verses “New York, can take your life, 'big apple' makes you pay the price” imply that living in New York can be detrimental to one's existence.
The chorus “Ha ha ha ha Harlem desire! Let our children play with toys 'n no more guns for little boys” shows the desire for a safer and peaceful environment for children to grow up in. The lyrics express the need for a society where children can enjoy a childhood free of violence and without the threat of guns. The lyrics also emphasize the distinction between the different neighborhoods in New York City, with Harlem being portrayed as a place of violence and danger, and Candy’s being presented as a “neat” alternative.
Overall, "Harlem Desire" is a reflection of the harsh reality of living in New York City, with its gang violence and the difficulties of survival. The song's message is a plea for a better future for children, where they can grow up in a safe and peaceful environment.
Line by Line Meaning
New York, can take your life
Living in New York can be dangerous and risky.
"big apple" makes you pay the price
Living in New York comes at a high cost.
Walk down the avenue
Walking down the street in New York City.
Might as well be on the moon
The feeling of being disconnected from reality and isolated in a large city.
Oh, look out!
Be on guard and cautious.
There's trouble in the dark
There are dangers that lurk at night.
The trail of the shark
The aftermath and consequences of those dangers.
They know all the tricks
Those who seek to harm others are skilled and experienced.
Better make it quick
Act fast and decisively to protect yourself.
You hear them laughing right behind you:
The perpetrators find amusement in causing harm.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
The sound of their laughter and the menace it implies.
Harlem desire!
The desire for a better life, free from danger.
Let our childrun play with toys
The hope for children to have a safe and innocent childhood.
'n no more guns for little boys
The desire to put an end to the violence and danger that threatens the youth.
This is my harlem desire!
The singer's personal desire and aspiration for a better life.
Just one night of peaceful sleep
The simple wish for a good night's rest without worry.
And no more fighting in the streets, yeah
The hope for a peaceful and safe community.
Ha ha ha ha Harlem!
Celebration of the desire for a better life and community.
In: ha ha ha ha Harlem!
Repetition of the celebration of the desire for a better life and community.
Contributed by Elena W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Huawei Y7
Молодцы ребята классно поют и танцуют, жалко таких больше нет ,светлая им память
TheftMaster
Настолько ритмичная музыка, просто огонь, молодцы парни! Как же хочется вернуться в то время!
Кок
Им ду
Natali Акimova
О, да!!!
Majestik Agler
Четко зажигали парни! Светлая им память!
Рая Костина
Моя самая самая любимая поп группа голоса чудесные музыка зажигательная танцы фееричные очень жаль что ребята так рано покинули наш мир но они в своих бессмертных произведениях живы
이무기 imoogi
세월은 흘러도 명곡은 명곡이다 .....
비앙카
여기 미국인데 70's인 제 교포신랑한테 이곡 모르면 인간이 아니라며 "이거 알쥐?"하며 이노래 들려줬더니,자기는 모르는 노래라고...헉!🙀😱
아니,팝의 왕자 프린스까지 아는 제 신랑이 어찌 이 유명한
노래를 모르는 걸까요..?
미국에서 미국팝만 들어서 유로팝은 몰랐던건지.....
중학교 1학년때 롤라장이나 길거리에서 맨날 들리던 곡이고 친구들 이춤 따라 하느라 난리였는데.
Raftundone
ㄹㅇ
Eleanor Shellstrop
추억의 노래네요.