Games Without Frontiers

Peter Gabriel, Arcade Fire

About Games Without Frontiers

"Games Without Frontiers" is a song written and recorded by English rock musician Peter Gabriel. It was released on his 1980 self-titled solo album, where it included backing vocals by Kate Bush. The song's lyrics are interpreted as a commentary on war and international diplomacy being like children's games. The video includes film clips of Olympic events and scenes from the 1951 educational film Duck and Cover, which used a cartoon turtle to instruct US schoolchildren on what to do in case of nuclear attack. This forlorn imagery tends to reinforce the song's anti-war theme. The single became Gabriel's first top-10 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at No. 4, and – tied with 1986's "Sledgehammer" – his highest-charting song in the United Kingdom. It peaked at No. 7 in Canada, but only at No. 48 in the United States. The B-side of the single consisted of two tracks combined into one: "Start" and "I Don't Remember". 


Year:
2013
3:22
98 
#1

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Games Without Frontiers
Hans plays with Lotte, Lotte plays with Jane
Jane plays with Willi, Willi is happy again
Suki plays with Leo, Sacha plays with Britt
Adolf builts a bonfire, Enrico plays with it
Whistling tunes we hid in the dunes by the seaside
Whistling tunes we're kissing baboons in the jungle
It's a knockout
If looks could kill, they probably will
In games without frontiers-war without tears
Games without frontiers-war without tears

Jeux sans frontieres

Andre has a red flag, Chiang Ching's is blue
They all have hills to fly them on except for Lin Tai Yu
Dressing up in costumes, playing silly games
Hiding out in tree-tops shouting out rude names
Whistling tunes we hide in the dunes by the seaside
Whistling tunes we piss on the goons in the jungle
It's a knockout
If looks could kill they probably will
In games without frontiers-wars without tears
If looks could kill they probably will
In games without frontiers-war without tears
Games without frontiers-war without tears

Jeux sans frontieres

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Peter Gabriel

Peter Brian Gabriel (born 13 February 1950) is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career. His 1986 album, So, is his most commercially successful, and the album's biggest hit, "Sledgehammer", won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, and the song is the most played music video in the history of the station. more »

11 fans

Written by: Peter Gabriel

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Singer-songwriter
"Games Without Frontiers" is a song written and performed by British rock musician Peter Gabriel, who is also known as the former lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis.
Release Details
The song was released as a single from his self-titled third album, also known as 'Melt,' in 1980.
Chart Performance
With the release, "Games Without Frontiers" became Peter Gabriel's first top 10 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 4.
International Acclaim
The song was not only successful in the UK, it also reached the top spot on the Canadian singles chart and climbed to number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Concept
"Games Without Frontiers" uses the metaphor of children's games to depict the senselessness and futility of war.
French Vocals
The chorus of the song, "Jeux sans frontières", is French for "Games without borders" or "Games without frontiers".
Collaboration
The song features backing vocals by Kate Bush, a renowned English singer-songwriter and musician.
Instrumentation
Peter Gabriel uses a variety of unique instruments in the track, including the whistle, a reverse tape effect as part of the drum track, and a shakuhachi (a Japanese bamboo flute).
Music Video
The song’s music video, directed by David Mallet, uses playful war games to further emphasize its anti-war message.
Live Performances
Throughout his career, Gabriel has performed "Games Without Frontiers" numerous times in his live concerts, cementing it as a fan favourite.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including the musician and author, David J.
Connection to a TV Show
The name of the song was inspired by a European television game show called "Jeux Sans Frontières" in which contestants from different countries competed in ludicrous games.
Contemporary Relevance
Even decades after its release, "Games Without Frontiers" is still seen as a poignant social commentary on the futility of war and the superficial lines that divide nations.

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    Games Without Frontiers

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #48


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