Both Marc Almond and Dave Ball grew up in seaside towns (the former, Southport, and the latter, Blackpool), and later met while students at the Leeds Polytechnic Fine Arts University (now Leeds Metropolitan University). Almond, a performance artist, collaborated with Ball on a few avant-garde multi-media performances at the university. Although Ball's musical background consisted of guitar, he had access to the university studio and was experimenting with the nascent synthesizer technology at the time. The two students became the prototypical synth duo and were initially associated with other New Wave scenesters dubbed "New Romantics" by the British Press. Other bands associated with this scene included Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet.
Marc Almond had a productive career as a solo artist later in the 80s and 90s and with Marc & the Mambas and other collaborations. Dave Ball has done a few solo productions with other British new wave acts in the early 80s. He also later was involved in the electronic dance act The Grid with Richard Norris.
Almond and Ball's reunion as Soft Cell became official with well-received initial concerts - they performed at the opening of the Ocean nightclub in London in March 2001 to strong reviews, and a mini tour followed later in the year. The track "God Shaped Hole" featured on the Some Bizzare compilation titled "I'd Rather Shout at a Returning Echo than Kid Someone's Listening", released in 2001. The album Cruelty Without Beauty was released in late 2002, followed by a European tour and a partial US tour in early 2003. The new album featured their first new songs together in almost twenty years. One of those songs was their 2003 single "The Night" (UK #39). Interestingly, Soft Cell had considered recording "The Night" in place of "Tainted Love" back in 1981 as their last-ditch attempt to score a chart hit. In a 2003 interview with BBC's Top of the Pops, keyboardist David Ball asserted, "I think history has kind of shown that we did make the right choice [in 1981]."
In August 2007, the band announced they were working on a remix album, "Heat - The Remixes". The remix album is expected to be released in May 2008 and will include classic Soft Cell tracks remixed by such acts as Manhattan Clique, Cicada, Richard X, Ladytron, MHC, Mark Moore, Kinky Roland, Spektrum, George Demure, Yer Man and many more.
The Night
Soft Cell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of his promise
Believe
What I say
Before
I go forever
Be sure
Of what you say
So he paints a pretty picture
And he tells you that he needs you
And he covers you with flowers
And he always keeps you dreaming
If he always keeps you dreaming
You won't have a lonely hour
If a day could last forever
You might like your ivory tower
But the night begins to turn your head around
And you know you're gonna lose more than you found
Yeah the night begins to turn your head around
Beware
Of his promise
Believe
What I say
Before
I go forever
Be sure
Of what you say
For the words may come too easy
If you don't believe I'm leaving
And goodbye will come too quickly
If you really think he loves you
If you really think he loves you
You would give your love so sweetly
If that day could last forever
You would fall in love completely
But the night begins to turn your head around
And you know you're gonna lose more than you found
Yeah the night begins to turn your head around
But the night begins to turn your head around
And you know you're gonna lose more than you found
Yeah the night begins to turn your head around
And you know you're gonna lose more than you found
Oh the night begins to turn your head around
Yeah, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night
Yeah, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night
Oh the night begins to turn your head around
The song “The Night” by Soft Cell tells the story of a cautionary tale about a man who promises love and paints a pretty picture, but the singer warns the listener to beware of his promises and to believe what they say. The lyrics suggest that the man in question may not be sincere in his love and that his words may come too easily. The chorus repeats the warning to beware of his promise and to be sure of what you say before it’s too late.
The second verse adds to the warning by stating that if one doesn’t believe that the singer is leaving, then the goodbye will come too quickly. The lyrics suggest that the man in question may be manipulating the listener’s emotions, using sweet words and promises to make them believe in his love, but the night and its temptations will eventually reveal the truth. The chorus repeats the warning that the night will turn your head around and that you will lose more than you found.
This cautionary tale is a common theme in many songs, but Soft Cell’s unique interpretation of it adds an eerie and unsettling feel to the song. The use of electronic synthesizers and the haunting vocals of singer Marc Almond adds to the overall feeling of unease, creating a sense of foreboding and warning that makes the song stand out in the musical landscape.
Line by Line Meaning
Beware
Be cautious
Of his promise
Don't take his word for it
Believe
Trust
What I say
Listen to my advice
Before
Prior to
I go forever
I leave permanently
Be sure
Be confident
Of what you say
Choose your words carefully
So he paints a pretty picture
He speaks in a manner to captivate you
And he tells you that he needs you
He makes it seem like he can't live without you
And he covers you with flowers
He showers you with gifts and attention
And he always keeps you dreaming
He puts you in a state of constant hopefulness
If he always keeps you dreaming
If he keeps you hopeful always
You won't have a lonely hour
You will never feel alone
If a day could last forever
If time stood still
You might like your ivory tower
You would enjoy the temporary bliss
But the night begins to turn your head around
Reality sets in
And you know you're gonna lose more than you found
You will end up worse than when you started
For the words may come too easy
He speaks without much thought
If you don't believe I'm leaving
If you don't take my warning seriously
And goodbye will come too quickly
He will leave before you expect it
If you really think he loves you
If you are convinced of his love
You would give your love so sweetly
You would pour your heart out to him
If that day could last forever
If time stood still
You would fall in love completely
You would be deeply in love
Oh the night begins to turn your head around
The harsh reality sets in
Yeah, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night
Yeah, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night, the night
Oh the night begins to turn your head around
The harsh reality sets in
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB CREWE, FRANK C. SLAY, FRANK C., JR. SLAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pen64
Dave Ball is just genius at a dance track. The instrumental break at 3:07, with that subtle wind up that is just designed make a dance floor explode. SC deserve their reputation as godfathers of electronic dance music. Been a fan since the beginning!
Anthony Hughes
Me too, was in Cellmates and Gutterhearts!
Mannchild11
They have climbed near the top of my list of favorite groups of all time. The combination of great sound with Marc's one of kind voice belting out moving, thought provoking lyrics.
Xav Bendle
I used to see Marc often as I did security at a place called Man Bar. He used to come to the underwear nights. He was a really nice guy. I told him Soft Cell were a big part of my teenage days.
Justine Bourke
Can always tell when a softcell song is their own or a cover but boy they do their covers so well, starting with the material they chose. Hendrix Medley on "The Art of Falling Apart" is my favourite ; the brooding, bubbling energy of Dave Ball's synth sounds gives me images of frankenstein like underground laboritory awash with swirling red and blue vapours.. 'purple haze' and soho neon pink. Heady and intoxicating...
Sad Sack
I didn't realise this was a cover until recently. Frankie Valli's original is brilliant. SC cover is marvelous.
Doodle Bug
Such a shame they never made any money off of tainted love though! It was the best selling song of 1981
Gregg Mitchell
Absolutely ace cover - deserved to be a global #1 hit - alas, it wasn't...
Dori Gurwitz
Killer song Love Soft Cell ;o)
ellis watkeys
Another superb Northern Soul -electro crossover from mssrs Almond and Ball!!