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.
Lifeline
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She rides the soul train and he fight the law
There's a power in his voice and it makes her feel so sure
So live and live in love
One day he'll build a statue with his hands
So gentle when he tries to understand
This subterfuge he never really planned
We're moving
In the lifeline
We're walking
In the lifeline
We're throwing
So live and let live in love
Exchanging their letters their exits begun
With deathless precision he's aiming his gun
A democracy of sorts that justifies the sun
So live and let live in love
Neither has the ghost of a chance
Those decisions only can be made once
You never really know just what you're giving
Till you're living in the lifeline
We're moving
In the lifeline
We're walking
In the lifeline
We're throwing
So live and let live in love
Ooh, he could have built a statue with his hands
So gentle when he tries to understand
You never really know just what you're giving
Now you're living in the lifeline
We're moving
In the lifeline
We're walking
In the lifeline
We're throwing to you
But I'm not living
So live and let live in love
Lifeline
In the lifeline
In the lifeline
So live and let live in love
Lifeline
In the lifeline
In the lifeline
The lyrics to Spandau Ballet's song "Lifeline" tell a story between two people who are facing different challenges in their lives. The first stanza describes a woman who is changing her ways and heading towards the shore, while a man with a powerful voice fights against the law. He makes her feel secure, and the chorus encourages them to keep moving forward and live in love.
The second stanza describes the two exchanging letters as they begin their exits. The man has decided to aim his gun with "deathless precision," and the "democracy of sorts" justifies the sun. They both struggle with their decisions, but they still have to make them. The bridge reinforces the idea that one never truly knows what they are giving until they are living in the "lifeline."
The chorus repeats itself, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and living in love, even during difficult times. The final line, "But I'm not living," could suggest the singer's feelings of isolation or disconnection from the struggles of the others in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Changing her colours she's off to the shore
She is leaving behind her old ways and starting anew by going to a new place.
She rides the soul train and he fight the law
She is exploring new interests and experiences while he is trying to challenge authority.
There's a power in his voice and it makes her feel so sure
His confidence and conviction are reassuring and empowering for her.
So live and live in love
Live life to the fullest while embracing love and positivity.
One day he'll build a statue with his hands
He will accomplish great things using his own skills and hard work.
So gentle when he tries to understand
He is thoughtful and considerate in his efforts to comprehend others' perspectives.
This subterfuge he never really planned
He did not intend to deceive or mislead, but somehow it happened anyway.
Now you're living in the lifeline
You are now experiencing life's ups and downs.
We're moving
We are traveling through this journey called life.
In the lifeline
We are existing within the bounds of life's fluctuating circumstances.
We're walking
We are navigating through life by taking one step at a time.
We're throwing
We are taking control of our lives and making choices that shape our future.
Exchanging their letters their exits begun
They are beginning to part ways and end their relationship through written correspondence.
With deathless precision he's aiming his gun
He is determined and focused in his actions, as if his life depends on it.
A democracy of sorts that justifies the sun
There is a sense of fairness and balance that justifies the actions taken.
Neither has the ghost of a chance
Neither person has even the slightest possibility of success or survival.
Those decisions only can be made once
These choices and consequences can only happen once and cannot be undone.
You never really know just what you're giving
The true impact of one's actions or choices is often unknown or unexpected.
But I'm not living
The singer may not feel truly alive or fulfilled at the moment.
So live and let live in love
Embrace love and positivity in life and allow others to do the same.
Lifeline
The ups and downs of life through which we must navigate.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JEFF PARIS, MOON CALHOUN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Antonio Munoz
Still loving this
I'm sad he split from the group
Halenbud
You Got That Right. Lucky To See Them Together.
Zebulon 7
This song brings back many happy memories
Mr. Balloffur
Tony sounds like he was about two songs away from losing his voice
filber66
I saw them in concert the same year, same tour, in Florence (Italy), beautiful memories of my 20s!
Robert Loades
Still Brilliant...
Christian Freud
Amazing song.
Jennifer GGiray
So handsome -sexy Tony-love you & your voice..
cgpal78
Tony Hadley is a brill singer!
stefania labbate
wonderful!!!!