Up on the Catwalk

Simple Minds

About Up on the Catwalk

"Up on the Catwalk" was the third single to be released from Sparkle in the Rain, the sixth studio album by Simple Minds. It was released in March 1984 and climbed to number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. It stayed in the charts for 5 weeks, which was longer than the band's previous single, "Speed Your Love to Me". Unlike the album's previous two singles, "Waterfront" and "Speed Your Love to Me", "Up on the Catwalk" was not included in the band's 1992 compilation album Glittering Prize 81/92. However, reviewer MacKenzie Wilson of Allmusic considered this single to be the strongest song on Sparkle in the Rain, complimenting its lyrics and 'glossy' verse which "thrives on celebrity and the falling grace that coincides that". The band's lead singer Jim Kerr has retrospectively called "Up on the Catwalk" an example of Simple Minds "at their spikiest and most dramatic". 


Year:
1992
4:06
162 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Up on the catwalk, a big wheel is spinning
And Dollars to Deutchmarks, and pennies from heaven
And up on the catwalk, there's one hundred million
With letters from thousands that say ``Just who are you?''
There's one thousand names that can spring up in my mind
But you'd call it blackmail and that's just not my kind
And up on the catwalk, up on the catwalk
And I don't know why

I will be there, I will be there, I will be there
I will be there, I will be there

Up on the catwalk there's street politicians
That crawl in from Broadway, say then who are you
And up on the catwalk there's one thousand postcards
From Montevideo, say that I'll be home soon
Get out of Bombay and go up to Brixton And look around, to see just what is 
missing
And up on the catwalk, girls call for mother And dream of their boyfriends
And I don't know why

I will be there, I will be there, I will be there
I will be there, I will be there
Tonight, under the crystal light, I'll tell you everything I need
Tonight, under the crystal light, surrender everything to me

Up on the catwalk, and you dress in waistcoats
And got brilliantino, and friends of Kim Philby
You float through the night time, like manna from heaven
But what, what do I know, and just what do I know
And up on the catwalk, in sweat that glistens
And I don't know why and I don't know why
I don't know why

I will be there, I will be there, I will be there
I will be there, I will be there
Tonight, under the crystal light, I'll tell you everything I need
Tonight, under the crystal light, surrender everything to me

Angel Angel Angel Angel
Ah huh Ah huh Ah huh Ah huh
One thousand names that spring up in my mind
One thousand names that spring up in my mind
Like Deodata, Michaelangelo, Robert de Niro, so many others
Nastassja Kinski and Martin Luther - there's room for others, away from me

Up on the catwalk, up on the catwalk, up on the catwalk
I don't know why.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Simple Minds

Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band who achieved worldwide popularity from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Although experiencing significant personnel changes, it has continued to tour to a cult following through that decade and into the new millennium. more »

1 fan

Written by: CHARLES BURCHILL, DEREK FORBES, JAMES KERR, MEL GEORGE GAYNOR, MICHAEL JOSEPH MACNEIL

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


19 facts about this song

Song Composition & Production
"Up on the Catwalk" is a song by the Scottish rock band, Simple Minds. - The song was produced by Steve Lillywhite, a renowned music producer known for his work with U2 and The Rolling Stones.
Album & Release Details
This track is part of the album "Sparkle in the Rain", which is the band's sixth studio album. - The album was released in February 1984. - "Up on the Catwalk" was the third single to be released from the album.
Chart Ranking
The song peaked at number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. - In Ireland, the track reached number 24.
They Lyrics
The lyrics by lead singer, Jim Kerr, refer to famous personalities of the time including Sigmund Freud and Marlon Brando. - The song's somewhat abstract and disconnected lyrics relate to the high life and superficiality of fame.
Song Style & Structure
The song characteristically belongs to the synth-pop genre. - It is adorned with strong percussions, heavy bass lines, and vivid synthesizer melodies.
Legacy
Despite not being a massive commercial success, "Up on the Catwalk" is highly regarded among fans and critics. - It’s remembered for its lyrical imagery and innovative post-punk music style.
Live Performances
The song was performed live during the band's Tour Du Monde in 1984 and has made appearances in their set list in following years as well.
Cover Art Work
The cover art work of "Up on the Catwalk" single showcases a black and white photo of the band, which is now considered iconic.
Release Date
"Up on the Catwalk" was released in March, 1983.
Album Appearance
The song is the third track of their seventh studio album, "Sparkle in the Rain".
Chart Performance
"Up on the Catwalk" managed to enter the United Kingdom's Top 30 chart, peaking at number 27.
Music Theme
The composition is full of heavy drumming and vibrant guitar strumming, showcasing the band's transition into a more rock-oriented sound during the late '80s.
Song Duration
The track runs for approximately four minutes and fifteen seconds.
Music Video
The music video for "Up on the Catwalk" features the band performing the song primarily in a bright, white set.
Lyrics Interpretation
It is believed by some fans that the song's lyrics are a critique on 1980s celebrity culture and materialism.
Producer
Album "Sparkle in the Rain" was produced by English musician Steve Lillywhite, well-known for his work with U2 and other significant artists.
Band Member Contributions
All five of the then-members of Simple Minds -- Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Mel Gaynor, and Mick MacNeil -- contributed to the song's composition.
Live Performances
The song has remained a popular live performance choice for the band, still being performed at concerts many years after its initial release.
Label
"Up on the Catwalk" was released under the Virgin Records label.

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