Things kicked into high gear when he replaced John Foxx as the singer of the famous electronic music group Ultravox in 1979. Shortly afterwards, the New Wave band had a huge U.K. hit with "Vienna", and it became one of Britain's most popular groups for several years. As well, later that year, Ure also formed the band Visage. In 1980, Ure and Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott co-wrote Lynott's biggest solo hit, titled "Yellow Pearl". A re-recording of the song done in 1981 was used as the theme for 'Top of the Pops', a music-centered television series.
In 1984, Ure co-wrote, with Bob Geldof, the Band Aid hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?". He was one of the few featured stars who did not sing solo on the recording. The following year, Ure scored his one and only solo U.K. number one single with "If I Was", a wistful track that's since been considered his 'signature song'. This was followed by an album titled 'The Gift'. With Ure's mind clearly on other matters, Ultravox took second place and soon dissolved.
Ure's solo career continued into the 90s with sporadic success. However, "Breathe" was an international hit single, helped by its inclusion in a TV advertising campaign for Swatch watches. Ultravox songs with his work remained popular among many electronic music fans.
Ure more recently organized the Live 8 concerts with Bob Geldof with the aim of pressuring G8 leaders into following his recipe for ending world poverty. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music and charity.
Ure has been married twice: to actress and writer Annabel Giles (with whom he has one daughter, Molly) and to Sheridan Ure (with whom he has three daughters, Kitty, Ruby and Flossie).
His daughter Molly has followed her father into the music industry, as the guitarist and vocalist of all-girl group The Faders.
To Sir With Love
Midge Ure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of telling tales and biting nails are gone
But in my mind
I know they will still live on and on
But how do you thank someone
who's taken you from crayons to perfume
It isn't easy but I'll try
in letters that would soar a thousand feet high
To Sir with love.
The time has come
for closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave
I know that I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong
and weak from strong
That's a lot to learn.
What, what can I give you in return
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start
but I would rather you let me give my heart
To Sir with love.
Those awkward years have hurried by, why did they fly away?
Why is it Sir, children grow up to be people one day?
What takes the place of climbing trees and dirty knees in the world outside?
What is there for you I can buy?
If you wanted the world I'd surround it with a wall,
I'd scrawl these words with letters ten feet tall,
"TO SIR WTIH LOVE"
Midge Ure's song "To Sir With Love" is a touching tribute to a beloved teacher who has had a significant impact on the singer's life. The opening lines reflect on the innocence and nostalgia of schoolgirl days, and how even though they have passed, they still hold a special place in the singer's heart. The song expresses gratitude to the teacher who took the singer from the simple pleasures of childhood, like crayons, to the grown-up world of perfume and sophistication.
The chorus of the song is an emotional outpouring of appreciation for the teacher, with the singer expressing a willingness to do anything to show their gratitude, even to the point of writing their thanks across the sky in giant letters. The line "To Sir with love" sums up the sentiment of the song, reflecting the deep respect and affection the singer has for their teacher.
The final verse reflects on the passing of time, and how childhood pursuits like climbing trees and getting dirty are replaced by the inevitable march of growing up. In the face of this, the song emphasizes the importance of the teacher's lessons and influence, and how they have shaped the singer's life for the better. The song comes to a close with a final declaration of appreciation, expressing the desire to give the teacher the gift of the singer's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Those schoolgirl days
Of telling tales and biting nails are gone
But in my mind
I know they will still live on and on
The days of youthfulness, gossiping and anxiety are gone, but they will always be remembered fondly in my heart.
But how do you thank someone
who's taken you from crayons to perfume
It isn't easy but I'll try
If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky
in letters that would soar a thousand feet high
To Sir with love.
It’s difficult to say thank you for enhancing me to something from nothing, but I'll attempt it. Even if you desire the sky, I'll spell your name in huge letters that will fly higher than the clouds.
The time has come
for closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave
I know that I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong
and weak from strong
That's a lot to learn.
It is time to move on, stop studying and wave goodbye. I am aware that I am going, but I'm not saying farewell to a teacher but my closest friend. Someone who taught me the difference between good and evil, and what it takes to be strong enough.
What, what can I give you in return
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start
but I would rather you let me give my heart
To Sir with love.
What can I offer you in exchange for your hard work? Although, I am willing to make an attempt to get you the moon, I'm confident instead you'll accept my gratitude from the bottom of my heart.
Those awkward years have hurried by, why did they fly away?
Why is it Sir, children grow up to be people one day?
What takes the place of climbing trees and dirty knees in the world outside?
Why were those difficult times so brief? Why do we develop into adults, Sir? What joy would ever measure up to playing and experiencing those carefree moments?
What is there for you I can buy?
If you wanted the world I'd surround it with a wall,
I'd scrawl these words with letters ten feet tall,
"TO SIR WTIH LOVE"
What can I offer you that would be adequate? If you wanted the entire world, I would guarantee to construct a fortress around it to keep it safe. I would etch this message in enormous letters, declaring my feelings for you.
Contributed by Zoe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.