The band, fronted by Mary Davis, was initially famous for the post-disco hit "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" in 1979. In 1982, they joined forces with then-new production team Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who went on to craft a string of R&B hits for the group, including "Just Be Good to Me", "Tell Me If You Still Care", "Borrowed Love", and "The Finest".
The Jam/Lewis produced SOS Band hits are notable for popularizing the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine (and its distinctive cowbell sound) in popular music. The group continues to tour and perform to this day.
The song "Just Be Good to Me" was remixed by Beats International (Aka Norman Cook or Fatboy Slim) the song made its way to UK number one single as "Dub Be Good To Me". The song was reworked with the bassline to the Clash's "Guns of Brixton".
High Hopes
S.O.S Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way you talk and the things you say sound so good
But there you were standing over there with another last night
Now in the middle of it can't you see it's killin' me
I had high hopes for you and me
Thought we'd stay together eternally
High hopes for our love
Oh
Just too hard to let go
You told me you loved nobody else, you never would
You had my child, you'd even marry me if I asked
But now it seems more so every day that you need me less
Now you're almost there, come around, I don't wanna let you go, oh, oh
I had high hopes for you and me
Thought we'd stay together eternally
High hopes for our love
Felt like it was heaven sent from above
(High) This can't be
Caught you with another and, girl, it's killin' me
(High) You let me down
I have to find somebody else since you won't be around
Just need a little time, it'll be alright
High hopes
High hopes
Can't you see, I want you for myself (And always will)
We had our talk and tried to make things right, or so it seems
But it's him for you, I guess you don't need me anymore
Hey, I never ever come around to see you again, oh (Oh, oh)
'Cause I had high hopes for you and me
Thought we'd stay together eternally
High hopes for our love
Felt like it was heaven sent from above
(High) Ooh, this can't be
Caught you with another and, girl, it's killin' me
(High) You let me down
I have to find somebody else since you won't be around
High hopes
Just need a little time and I'll be alright
High hopes
Oh, oh, high, high, high
High hopes
It's so hard to let go
High hopes
The lyrics to S.O.S Band's "High Hopes" explore the emotions of a protagonist who had very high hopes for their relationship with their partner. In the beginning of the song, the singer expresses their deep love for their partner and suggests that nobody has made them feel the way their partner does. However, their partner is seen with someone else at a party, which leads the singer to feel heartbroken and devastated.
The singer then reflects on their high hopes for their relationship, suggesting that they thought they would be together for eternity, and that their love was a divine gift. However, as the relationship deteriorates, it becomes clear that the singer's high hopes are just that - hopes that are unlikely to be realized. In the final verse, the singer acknowledges that their partner has chosen someone else and suggests that they themselves will have to find someone new.
Through its lyrics, "High Hopes" explores themes of love and heartbreak, and the disappointments that can come with high expectations. The song's soulful melody and catchy chorus contribute to its popularity and memorable impact.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got me like no one has before, I really love you
You are different from anyone else I have been with, and I love you for that.
The way you talk and the things you say sound so good
You have a way of speaking that I find compelling and attractive.
But there you were standing over there with another last night
I saw you with someone else and it hurt me deeply.
Now in the middle of it can't you see it's killin' me
Seeing you with someone else is causing me a great deal of emotional pain.
I had high hopes for you and me
I had great expectations for our relationship.
Thought we'd stay together eternally
I believed that our relationship would be long-lasting and permanent.
High hopes for our love
I had a lot of faith in our relationship and what it could be.
Felt like it was heaven sent from above
Our relationship felt like a gift from a higher power.
Just too hard to let go
I am having a difficult time moving on from our relationship.
You told me you loved nobody else, you never would
You made promises to me that you would be faithful and that our love would last.
You had my child, you'd even marry me if I asked
We have a child together, and you have told me that you would be willing to marry me if I wanted to.
But now it seems more so every day that you need me less
I feel like you are becoming less and less dependent on me and that our relationship is fading away.
Now you're almost there, come around, I don't wanna let you go, oh, oh
I am still holding on to the hope that you will come back to me and that our relationship can be salvaged.
(High) This can't be
I cannot believe that you would betray me and be with someone else.
Caught you with another and, girl, it's killin' me
Seeing you with someone else is causing me a great deal of pain.
(High) You let me down
You did not live up to the promises that you made to me.
I have to find somebody else since you won't be around
Since you are not interested in being with me, I have to move on and find someone else.
Just need a little time, it'll be alright
I need some time to heal and recover, but eventually everything will be okay.
Can't you see, I want you for myself (And always will)
I still love you and want to be with you, now and forever.
We had our talk and tried to make things right, or so it seems
We had a conversation about our relationship and tried to work through our issues, but it does not seem to have helped.
But it's him for you, I guess you don't need me anymore
You have found someone else and it seems like you no longer have any use for me.
Hey, I never ever come around to see you again, oh (Oh, oh)
I do not plan on seeing you anymore, since it is too painful for me to be around you.
(High) Ooh, this can't be
I cannot believe that our relationship is over and that you have moved on to someone else.
High hopes
I had a lot of optimism and faith in our relationship.
It's so hard to let go
It is incredibly difficult for me to move on from our relationship.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marthacamp6151
Played this song at my 75th birthday party all my guest jammed and asked for repeats ,love it.
@willgold9705
too cool
@kernithudson
I love being over 50! A timeless classic! I play this at every party!❤🎉
@georgegibson1961
I'm 56 years old and growing up in the 60's, thru the 70's and 80's I can say that I have heard it all. Each decade of generations has their own place in music history, but the 80's were so special to me. Was in the Army and stationed in Germany when this song came out. It got me through alot and most of all kept me in good spirits knowing that I would be home soon as well to So. Calif. Every time I hear this song it brings back great memories of my Army buddies and the best of times we had together. Furthermore I'm glad and blessed that I'm still breathing and in vertical position if you know what I mean. All you soldiers and military personnel out there Keep March'n . God is good and always on time. Peace out!!
@dennismenace4293
Real talk when u get pussy extra special u know not dissing ur experienca
@martinakiese7843
I am born in Hanau Main. I miss so much that it hurts in my soul this really fantastic times .. the music... the lifestyle... when the americans where stationed here. Such a cool crazy and happy time in my life ....
@georgegibson1961
@Martina Kiese I was stationed in Herzo Base just outside of Nuremberg. Best times
@midasmoore242
I kno you was cuttin up in the late 70s and 80s
@georgegibson1961
@Midas Moore Yo brother! You better believe it! 👍💯 All day and everyday. When permissible 🤣🤣🤣
@RS-gx1hp
The SOS Band had that sound of their own. You just knew when someone had any of their music on. 🔥 The 70's and 80's had the best 🎶🎶🎶🎶