Two Tribes

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

About Two Tribes

"Two Tribes" is an anti-war song by British band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released in the UK by ZTT Records on 4 June 1984. The song was later included on the album Welcome to the Pleasuredome. Presenting a nihilistic, gleeful lyric expressing enthusiasm for nuclear war, it juxtaposes a relentless pounding bass line and guitar riff inspired by American funk and R&B pop with influences of Russian classical music, in an opulent arrangement produced by Trevor Horn. Supported by a striking advertising campaign depicting the band as members of the Red Army and a wide range of remixes, the single was a phenomenal success in the UK, immediately entering at the number one position on 10 June 1984 and staying at the top of the UK Singles Chart for nine consecutive weeks, during which time the group's previous single "Relax" climbed back up the charts to number two. It was the longest-running number-one single in the UK of the 1980s. It has sold 1.58 million copies in the UK as of November 2012. Songwriters Johnson, Gill and O'Toole received the 1984 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. In 2015 the song was voted by the British public as the nation's 14th-favourite 1980s number one in a poll for ITV. 


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When two tribes go to war
A point is all that you can score
(Score them all, score them all)
When two tribes go to war
A point is all that you can score
(Working for the black gas)

Cowboy number one
A born-again poor man's son
(Poor man's son)
On the air America
I modeled shirts by Van Heusen
(Working for the black gas)

Yeah
You know

When two tribes go to war
A point is all you can score
(Storm them all, storm them all)
When two tribes go to war
A point is all you can score

Working for 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
Working for the black gas

A point is all you can score

When two tribes go to war
When two tribes go to war
A point is all you can score

We got two tribes
We got the bomb
We got the bomb, yeah
Yeah
Sock it to me biscuits, now

Are we living in a land
Where sex and horror are the new Gods?
Yeah

When two tribes go to war
A point is all you can score

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Frankie Goes to Hollywood (FGTH) were a British dance-pop band popular in the mid-1980s. The group was fronted by Holly Johnson (vocals), with Paul Rutherford (vocals, keyboards), Peter Gill (drums, percussion), Mark O'Toole (bass guitar), and Brian Nash (guitar). more »

1 fan

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 Themes
The 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 Video
The 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 Performance
Besides 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 Versions
The 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 Single
In 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 Media
The 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 Culture
Over 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 Success
Released 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 Relevance
The 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 Video
The 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 Versions
The 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 Performance
Beyond 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 Performance
During 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.

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    Two Tribes

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #43


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