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.
Pharaoh
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
When the lights die down
You'll see them go
When the lights die down
You'll see them go
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Take that pharaoh
When the lights die down
You'll see them go
When the lights die down
You'll see them go
We are all living for the game, for the game
Oh, heaven is weeping
We are all living for the game, for the game
Oh, heaven is weeping
Please don't let my memory fail me now
'Cause I've waited all this time and I can't run another mile
(Another mile)
Oh, please don't let the world know now
Please don't let the world know now
We are all living for the game, for the game
Oh, heaven is weeping
We are all living for the game, for the game
Oh, heaven is weeping
The lyrics of Spandau Ballet's "Pharaoh" convey feelings of empowerment and determination to take on intimidating challenges on one's own. The repetition of "going alone, going alone" emphasized the strength in self-reliance, while the phrase "take that pharaoh" portrayed the idea of standing up to a formidable opponent with unflinching confidence. The lines "when the lights die down, you'll see them go" could be interpreted as a warning to those who underestimate the singer's inner strength, suggesting that when push comes to shove, they will prevail.
The repeated mention of "living for the game" adds to the song's motivating tone, encouraging listeners to work towards their goals and strive for success. The line "heaven is weeping" is somewhat ambiguous, but could be interpreted as a lament for the difficulties and sacrifices that come with pursuing one's passions. The closing lines "please don't let my memory fail me now" and "please don't let the world know now" express a sense of urgency and determination to achieve one's goals, even if it means forging ahead alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Going alone, going alone, going alone
Persisting alone and facing one's challenges alone with determination and perseverance
Take that pharaoh
Defeating and triumphing over obstacles and adversaries like a pharaoh
When the lights die down
You'll see them go
In moments of darkness and vulnerability, one's true character and motivations are revealed
We are all living for the game, for the game
Oh, heaven is weeping
Life is like a game where everyone is vying for success and fulfillment, but it can also result in pain and hardship
Please don't let my memory fail me now
'Cause I've waited all this time and I can't run another mile
(Another mile)
Oh, please don't let the world know now
Please don't let the world know now
A plea for perseverance and strength in the face of exhaustion and the fear of failure
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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