Contenders

Heaven 17

About Contenders

"Contenders" is a song by the British new wave and synth-pop band Heaven 17, released in 1986 as the first single from their fourth studio album Pleasure One. It was written and produced by Glenn Gregory, Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware. The song reached No. 80 in the UK and spent four weeks on the chart. It also reached No. 6 on the U. S. Billboard Dance/Club Play Singles Chart. A music video was filmed to promote the single.


Year:
1998
4:29
45 

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We're going to stop this world from turning
We build it up, you knock it down
If you go high then we'll go higher
Beyond the sky without a sound all around

We've won, we've lost, we've counted up the cost
And we've evened out the scores we are contenders

I'm telling you so pay attention
These words of truth come from above
In God we trust and he has told me
I need you now and I'm talking love

We want a piece of what you're selling
Put up your hands and face the wall
How much it costs there is no telling
How much it costs to walk so small, and we're so tall

In truth we dare, we people just don't care
We've got you running scared we are contenders
You're black, or white, Arab, Christian, Israelite
We are hiding in plain sight we are contenders

Don't bother asking for a favor
I always get all that I want
Though some are foolish we are braver
Than those who do not have a bomb

Forget the turning of the seasons
Let's escalate and never stop
And yes we've talked but for no reason
Let's start again right from the top, countdown

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Got the world on a string but it ain't got that swing
You speed it up we slow it down
A frontier wilder than the West ever was
No sheriff round this outlaw town

So Superman if you're listening
Help us out you're on the team
For truth and justice, the American way
The fight for right's not what it seems with laser beams

With gun and sword there is no reward
But we're fighting on we are contenders
We've won, we've lost and we've counted up the cost
And we've evened out the scores we are contenders

You're Black, or White, Arab, Christian, Israelite
We are hiding in plain sight we are contenders
No virgin birth is going to claim the earth
We know what you're worth we are contenders

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Heaven 17

Heaven 17 are an English New Wave synthpop band originating from Sheffield in the early 1980s. Originally a trio, the band comprised Martyn Ware (keyboards), Ian Craig Marsh (keyboards) (both previously with The Human League) and Glenn Gregory (vocals). Although most of the band's music was recorded in the 1980s, they have occasionally reformed to record and perform since then, playing their first ever live concerts in 1997. Marsh left the band in 2007 and Ware and Gregory continued to perform as Heaven 17 since then. more »

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Written by: GLENN GREGORY, MARTYN WARE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Foundation
"Contenders" is by the British new wave and synth-pop band Heaven 17, consisting of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, both previous members of The Human League, and lead vocalist Glenn Gregory.
Release Information
The song "Contenders" is part of Heaven 17's debut studio album named "Penthouse and Pavement", which was released in the UK in September 1981.
Album Reception
The album "Penthouse and Pavement" experienced commercial success and critical acclaim for its innovative electronic sound, which included the song "Contenders".
Musical Style
"Contenders" is a perfect example of Heaven 17's early synth-pop style, characterised by catchy rhythms, complex synthesizer arrangements, and politically-influenced lyrics.
Band's Dedication
The song's title "Contenders" mirrors the band's dedication to be contenders in the music scene of the early 80's, a commitment that proved successful as Heaven 17 remains influential to this day.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of "Contenders" are open to interpretation, though some fans believe the song explores themes of societal pressures and the fight to overcome obstacles.
Band's Influence
Heaven 17, through songs like "Contenders," helped to move electronic music into the mainstream and paved the way for other synth-pop bands.
Live Performances
"Contenders" is often featured in Heaven 17's live performances, highlighting the band's powerful energy on stage.
Inclusion in Compilation Albums
The song "Contenders" is also included in several Heaven 17 compilation albums including "Endless" released in 1986 and "Heaven 17: Retox/Detox" in 1998.
Cult Status
Despite not being released as a single, "Contenders" is considered a cult song among the fans of Heaven 17.

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