Initially formed in 1976 in London, England, they didn't reach a stable line-up or decide on the Spandau name until 1978. Their odd title allegedly came from a piece of bathroom graffiti observed during the members early days. Inspired by a mixture of avant-garde synth pop and slick funk. as typified by their early track "Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)", also known by other titles such as "Chant # 1", the band commercially broke through with an artistic public image as remarked upon as their music. Said track reached the #2 spot in the U.K. and was notable for inclusion of the horn section from the group Beggar & Co, which proved a fruitful collaboration on record.
Spandau Ballet's first two albums, 1981's 'Journeys to Glory' and 1982's 'Diamond', found them also mining their art rock and glam rock roots as their fan-base expanded, the group looking to the works of David Bowie and Roxy Music for inspiration. Both albums charted in the U.K. top 20 and were later certified gold by the RIAA. Additional popular songs from the band in this era include "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "Freeze" (also known as "The Freeze". The group also notably picked up a semi-friendly rivalry with new wave contemporaries Duran Duran.
After four hits in the U.K. followed by a couple of less successful releases, however, Spandau Ballet's chart career appeared to be on the wane. Yet Instinction, re-ignited their fortunes and became the first of eleven consecutive singles to reach the Top 20
Immensely popular in the UK, the New Romantic group eventually mellowed into a mainstream pop act. As with Duran Duran they 'broke America', albeit briefly - the title track of their 3rd album True peaked in the Top 5 of the Singles charts. The song gained a new life in the 1990's and beyond by being sampled in the songs Set Adrift on Memory Bliss by PM Dawn and N Dey Say by Nelly.
After a split in 1990 and a court case almost ten years later involving Hadley, Keeble & Norman suing Gary Kemp over royalties, they announced in March 2009 a reformation.
Innocence & Science
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breaks the ropes and binds
Water comes from inside
And frees me
Innocence and science.
Metal sings my name
Poisoned love sustained
Metal breaks me inside
Innocence and science.
I will never forget.
The lyrics to Spandau Ballet's song "Innocence and Science" are intriguing, as they touch on themes of freedom and personal growth. The first two lines introduce the idea of breaking free from constraints, with the water from the singer's mind breaking ropes and binds. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for breaking free from mental restraints or societal expectations. The water comes from within, suggesting that this freedom is something that comes from within oneself.
The next two lines introduce the idea of innocence and science. It's unclear exactly what is meant by this, but it could be interpreted as a contrast between the pure and untainted nature of innocence, and the analytical and logical nature of science. The following lines introduce the idea of metal singing the singer's name, which is juxtaposed with the idea of poisoned love being sustained. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for toxic relationships, where the singer is being pulled in two different directions - one towards something that is freeing, and one towards something that is harming them.
The line "I will never forget" is a powerful one, as it suggests that whatever the singer has gone through has left a significant impact on them. It's unclear exactly what the singer is referring to, but the tone of the song suggests that whatever it is, it was a difficult experience that ultimately led to personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Water from my mind
Thoughts and ideas that I generate internally
Breaks the ropes and binds
Allows me to escape from things that are holding me back
Water comes from inside
The source of the power and inspiration I need
And frees me
Empowers me to break out of my limitations and be creative
Innocence and science.
The combination of creativity and rational thinking that shapes my thinking
Metal sings my name
The allure of material success and possessions
Poisoned love sustained
The toxic relationships and other factors that keep me from reaching my full potential
Metal breaks me inside
The realization that focusing on material possessions and success isn't enough
And frees me
Releasing me from the negative aspects of materialism
Innocence and science.
The balance of creativity and rational thinking that allows me to be successful
I will never forget.
A pledge to stay true to my values and never lose sight of my goals
Contributed by Michael F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.