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.
Sweet Little Sheila
Modern Talking Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch good love go bad
Smoke from a distance
Fire burning me
Oh, babe, the heaven can't wait
I need these hints
I'm feeling, my heart is appealing
Sweet lady sheila
Do you? Do you really want me?
Sophisticated lady want me
Sweet little Sheila
Do you? Do you really love me?
She's a different baby to me
I only want Sheila
Oh my Sheila
Oh, she's precious
Like the sun
I only want Sheila
Oh, my Sheila
Oh she's foolish
And most fun
Oh, babe
For the promise you made
Be careful they've got storms, you're afraid
Oh, babe
Don't say it's too late
Words can't express my feelings, being
Believing
The lyrics to Modern Talking's "Sweet Little Sheila" tell a story of a man who is in love with a woman named Sheila, who is different from any other woman he has known. The chorus poses a question to Sheila, asking if she really wants and loves him. The verses, on the other hand, express the man's feelings and desires for Sheila, causing him to feel like his heart is appealing to her.
The man laments the sadness of good love turning bad, and wonders if he will be burned like a fire. He can't wait for her love and needs hints that she feels the same way. He describes her as a "sophisticated lady" but also as a "sweet little Sheila," indicating that she has both class and a playful side. He sings about his love for her, saying that he only wants Sheila and that she is precious like the sun. The bridge of the song urges Sheila to be careful and not say it is too late, expressing the man's belief that his feelings cannot be fully conveyed in words.
Overall, "Sweet Little Sheila" is a romantic and playful love song that showcases Modern Talking's signature use of synthesizers and falsetto vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
So sad
Feeling melancholic
Watch good love go bad
Observing a deteriorating relationship
Smoke from a distance
Seeing trouble arising
Fire burning me
Feeling the passion and intensity of love
Oh, babe, the heaven can't wait
Wanting to seize the moment and not wait for anything
I need these hints
Craving for subtle indications of affection
I'm feeling, my heart is appealing
Experiencing emotions and yearning for reciprocation
Sweet lady sheila
Addressing the titular character
Do you? Do you really want me?
Questioning the sincerity of her interest
Sophisticated lady want me
Noticing that she desires him
Sweet little Sheila
Referring to her endearingly
Do you? Do you really love me?
Asking if she has developed genuine feelings
She's a different baby to me
Expressing admiration for unique qualities
I only want Sheila
Stating exclusivity to her
Oh my Sheila
Addressing her fondly
Oh, she's precious
Considering her valuable and appreciated
Like the sun
Comparing her to a radiant element of life
Oh, my Sheila
Showing affection and emphasis towards her
Oh she's foolish
Acknowledging a carefree and fun nature
And most fun
Enthusiastically stating the enjoyment of her company
Oh, babe
Affectionate address towards her
For the promise you made
Recalling a commitment made by her
Be careful they've got storms, you're afraid
Advising caution due to upcoming difficulties
Oh, babe
Calling her again
Don't say it's too late
Urging her to not give up on the relationship
Words can't express my feelings, being believing
Stating that actions speak louder than words when it comes to love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Hansa Musik, 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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