Two Tribes
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Ladies and gentlemen, let me present Frankie goes to Hollywood Possibly the most important thing This side of the world. Oh yeah, well ard! You may pronounce us guilty a thousand times over, but the goddess of the Eternal court of history will smile and tear to tatters the brief of the State prosecutor and the sentence of this court, for she acquits us Condemn me Condemn me Condemn me History will absolve Singing this will be the day that I die Yeah (If your grandmother or any other member of your family should die whilst in the shelter Put them outside, but remember to tag them first for identification purposes) Go to war Go to war Go to war Eh Just think, war breaks out and nobody turns up. (If any member the family should die whilst in the shelter, put them outside, But remember to tag them first for identification purposes.) (If your grandmother or any other member of the family should die while, identification purposes.) Eh eh It's enough to make you wonder sometimes if you're on the right planet. Let's go When two tribes go to war A point is all you can score When two tribes go to war A point is all you can score Cowboy no. 1 A born-again poor man's son On the air America I modeled shirts by Van Heusen yeah You know When two tribes go to war A point is all you can score When two tribes go to war A point is all you can score Working on the black gas Switch off your shield Switch off and feel I'm working on loving-yeah Giving you back the good times Ship it out, out I'm working for the black gas
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Holly Johnson, Mark William OToole, Peter Gill
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Commercial Success"Two Tribes" was a massive commercial success for the band. It was the follow-up single to their debut hit song, "Relax," and stayed at number one on the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks in 1984.
|
Political ThemesThe song explored the theme of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was a trendy topic during the Cold War Era. It was named "Two Tribes" as it represented the two powerful blocs at the time.
|
Music VideoThe music video of "Two Tribes" is considered iconic. It simulates a wrestling match between the then American President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko, addressing the political stand-off between the two nations.
|
Chart PerformanceBesides being a huge hit in the UK, "Two Tribes" also enjoyed success in other countries like Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, where it reached the top spot on music charts.
|
Remix VersionsThe song has several mix versions and was re-issued in the UK in 1994 and again in 2000.
|
Album"Two Tribes" is part of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut studio album, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," which was released later in November 1984.
|
Highest Selling SingleIn 1984, "Two Tribes" went on to become the UK's highest-selling single of the year. It also came in at number 22 in the 'all-time' list of best-selling singles in the UK, as of 2014.
|
Use in MediaThe song has been used in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, most notably in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, emphasizing its cultural resonance.
|
Songwriters"Two Tribes" was written by Holly Johnson, Peter Gill, Mark O'Toole, and Brian Nash, who were all members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
|
Popular CultureOver the years, "Two Tribes" has been covered by various artists and bands, including Blümchen, Sabrina Salerno, and Feeder, underscoring its enduring popularity.
|
Musical Composition"Two Tribes" is written by Peter Gill, Holly Johnson, and Mark O'Toole, who were also members of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
|
Commercial SuccessReleased in 1984, the song was a commercial success and topped the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks, ultimately becoming the third best-selling single in the UK that year.
|
Political RelevanceThe lyrics and theme of "Two Tribes" directly reference the Cold War tension between the United States and Russia, with the "two tribes" referring to the two global superpowers.
|
Impactful Music VideoThe accompanying music video features a wrestling match between actors portraying U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko, which was considered highly controversial at the time.
|
Remix Culture"Two Tribes" is notable for its numerous remixes. The original 12-inch vinyl release contains three versions of the track, each a different length and mix.
|
Re-releases and Cover VersionsThe song has been re-released several times over the years, with a 1994 remix version reaching the UK Top 20. It has also been covered by multiple artists, including German techno band Scooter.
|
Cultural Impact"Two Tribes" is often associated with the 1980s popular music scene, and its mixture of dance-pop and political commentary is considered defining for that era.
|
Chart PerformanceBeyond the UK, "Two Tribes" also charted highly in multiple countries worldwide, including peaking at No. 1 in New Zealand and No. 3 in Australia.
|
Television PerformanceDuring the song's promotion, it was performed on top TV platforms, including a memorable performance on "Top of the Pops" courted by controversy due to the band refusing to play their instruments live.
|
Music Critic Recognition"Two Tribes" is frequently recognized by music critics, it was named the 24th greatest pop song in a 2013 poll by VH1. A testament to the respect the song has gained over the years in the music industry.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Two Tribes Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26677441/Frankie+Goes+to+Hollywood/Two+Tribes>.
Discuss the Two Tribes Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In