First formed at the end of 1984 (Anders was 21), they unexpectedly became immensely popular with their standalone disco hit "You're My Heart, You're My Soul", which was then followed by "You Can Win If You Want" and "Cheri, Cheri Lady". They released two albums a year from 1985 to 1987 while also promoting their singles on television all over Europe. After splitting up in 1987, the duo reunited in 1998, at first only testing the waters with new versions of hit singles and again reaching the top of the charts unexpectedly. Bohlen and Anders split again in 2003 due to irreconcilable disagreements (they had never been friends in the first place). Thomas Anders started another solo career immediately, while Bohlen had by now begun devoting most of his time to new talents, especially those he discovered on the German edition of the TV show Pop Idol/American Idol.
Global sales of Modern Talking records were 120 million units, according to BMG in June 2003, and they have become the biggest-selling German music act in history, so far outselling even Frank Farian's projects Boney M and Milli Vanilli, Michael Cretu's Enigma, Sandra, the Scorpions, Snap! and Rammstein.
Modern Talking were successful in Europe, Asia, South America and some African countries. In the United Kingdom they reached the top ten only once with the song "Brother Louie" (in 1986, #4 UK). They did not feel very good about promoting their singles there due to being marketed in England as a gay group like Erasure and Culture Club. Indeed, in the UK "Brother Louie" is regarded by those who remember it as nothing more than a novelty record by a one-hit wonder.
They were almost unknown in North America by mainstream standards, never appearing in the charts there, and due to lack of backing from a record company and lack of time did not go there to promote their music. Composer Dieter Bohlen employed mood-evoking lyrics and intellectually-designed, synthesizer-based music which was out of vogue in the U.S. before Modern Talking even formed.
In 2006 Bohlen included a secret message in his song "Bizarre Bizarre" which was played backwards: "There will never be an end to Modern Talking". However, Bohlen said "he meant to say that the music of Modern Talking will live forever" [4]. Anders has kept the Modern Talking songs in his repertoire and produced songs in a similar vein for his solo records ("Independent Girl"). In 2006 he produced an album of Swing and Jazz versions of popular songs (including Modern Talking's first hit). Bohlen has written two autobiographical books, one of which also detailed Modern Talking's history from his perspective, and sold a million copies in Germany. The sequel was heavily criticised for his unfairness towards the people he worked with. As a result of that, he withdrew from the public for a year until 2006, when he said he regretted putting out the second book. Anders had not been the only one pressing charges against Bohlen and demanding that sections of the book be modified.
Higher Than Heaven
Modern Talking Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My heart is crying just for more
No guarantee, she stays with me
She's my dream, I can't ignore
How can I just explain to her
That she's my baby, oh I swear
How can I just explain my love
[Chorus]
Oh I am: higher than heaven (higher than heaven)
In the middle of the night (of the night)
Feeling like the greatest lover (greatest lover)
And I need you by my side
Oh, one two three, lovers live longer
Oh, can't you see, love makes me stronger
She's cool as ice, she's cool as ice
I'm specialized - in lonely eyes
I can't explain-the way I feel
Night after night - the stars shine bright
You're my baby, oh it's real
How can I just explain to you
Tell me what have I got to do
How can I just explain my love
[Chorus: x 2]
In the beginning of the song, the singer is describing his intense infatuation with a girl who is "cool as ice." He feels like he is under her spell or hypnotized by her beauty and is constantly yearning for more of her presence. Despite the fact that there is no guarantee she will stay with him or reciprocate his feelings, he cannot ignore the fact that she is his dream girl. He struggles to find the words to explain to her how he feels, and that she is his baby, which makes him want to swear his love for her.
The chorus of the song explores the singer's heightened state of love, where he feels like he is soaring in the heavens or higher than heaven. He feels like he is the greatest lover and needs her by his side to fulfill his happiness. He mentions that lovers live longer as an affirmation of love's power to make one's spirit feel stronger.
Overall, the song is about the unbridled, passionate love that the singer has for his dream girl, and the song's upbeat nature reflects this energy.
Line by Line Meaning
She's cool as ice, I'm hypnotized
Although she might appear cold, distant and maybe even indifferent, I can't help but feel enchanted, held captive and mesmerized by her presence.
My heart is crying just for more
My heart is yearning for more of her affection, attention and love, as even though I might have some, it always seems insufficient.
No guarantee, she stays with me
I can't know or control the future, and even though I want her to be with me, there's no certainty or safety in that decision.
She's my dream, I can't ignore
She's the ideal woman I've been fantasizing about and longing for, and no matter how unrealistic or unattainable my dream might seem, I can't simply ignore or dismiss her.
How can I just explain to her
That she's my baby, oh I swear
How can I just explain my love
I struggle to find the right words and ways to express to her the depth, intensity and sincerity of my love, care and commitment towards her.
Oh I am: higher than heaven (higher than heaven)
In the middle of the night (of the night)
Feeling like the greatest lover (greatest lover)
And I need you by my side
Oh, one two three, lovers live longer
Oh, can't you see, love makes me stronger
Being with her and feeling her love and presence makes me feel ecstatic, powerful and invincible, as if nothing can stop me or bring me down. Moreover, I believe that our love will last and sustain us throughout our lives, as it gives us immense happiness and strength.
I'm specialized - in lonely eyes
I can't explain-the way I feel
Night after night - the stars shine bright
You're my baby, oh it's real
I have become an expert at recognizing, empathizing and caring for those who feel alone, sad and disconnected, as I have experienced those feelings myself. I can't fully articulate or understand my emotions, but I know that I love her deeply and that our connection is genuine and meaningful.
How can I just explain to you
Tell me what have I got to do
How can I just explain my love
I'm still grappling with finding the right words and actions to convey my affection, appreciation and devotion to her, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make her understand and feel my love.
[Chorus: x 2]
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the main message of the song, which is that despite the challenges, doubts and uncertainties of love, being with the person you truly care about and who reciprocates your feelings can make you feel ecstatic and fulfilled.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DIETER BOHLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Edu Tere Barbosa
on Just Like An Angel
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