Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Lyrics

22 ContributorsTwo Tribes LyricsYeah..
Ha!

When two tribes go to war
A point is all that you can score
Score no more! Score no more!
When two tribes go to war
A point is all that you can score
Working for the black gas
Cowboy No. 1
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 that you can score
Score no more! Score no more!
When two tribes go to war
A point is all that you can score
Working for the black gas
You might also likeSwitch off your shield
Switch off and feel
I'm working on loving, yeah. Yow
Giving you back the good times
Ship it out, out!
Working for the black gas
A point is all that you can score
When two tribes go to war

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

We've 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 (ow! ow! ow!)
A point is all you can score

If there's one song that perfectly captures the essence of the 80s, it's undoubtedly "Two Tribes" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. This iconic track not only dominated the charts but also made a lasting impact on popular culture with its thought-provoking lyrics and groundbreaking music video. Let's delve into the fascinating story behind the song that took the world by storm.

About Two Tribes

Released as the second single by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "Two Tribes" quickly climbed its way to the top of the UK pop chart, where it held the coveted position for an astonishing nine consecutive weeks. This incredible feat, achieved by the Liverpool-based band, had not been witnessed since the legendary Beatles accomplished it two decades earlier. The song's predecessor, "Relax," even managed to climb back up the chart to the second position, displaying the band's immense popularity.

Inspiration for the title and chorus lyrics of "Two Tribes" was drawn from the captivating opening monologue of the film "Mad Max." The words, "For reasons long forgotten, two mighty warrior tribes went to war, and touched off a blaze which engulfed them all," resonated deeply with the band and provided the foundation for their powerful anthem.

One of the highlights of "Two Tribes" was undoubtedly its groundbreaking music video. Set against the backdrop of a wrestling match, the video featured actors portraying then-President Ronald Reagan and then-Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko engaging in a fierce battle. The band members, expertly playing the roles of news reporters, covered the event live while a rowdy crowd placed bets on the outcome. This creative and controversial visual representation further intensified the song's impact and cemented its place in music history.

Although "Two Tribes" reached the top 10 in thirteen countries worldwide, it failed to achieve the same level of success in the United States, peaking at number 43. Regardless, the song's influence and significance cannot be understated. It became the anthem of a generation, resonating with listeners across the globe.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood included "Two Tribes" on their debut album, "Welcome To The Pleasuredome," later that year. It's important to note that despite variations in the album releases, the majority of albums featuring the three-minute track, starting with a piano intro, contain the version titled "Two Tribes (For The Victims Of Ravishment)." Conversely, the nine-minute track, beginning with a siren, is usually found on albums with the mix titled "Two Tribes (Annihilation)," followed by the hauntingly poignant track "The Last Voice."

In the end, "Two Tribes" stands as an anthem of its time, encapsulating the sociopolitical tensions and global uncertainties that defined the 1980s. Through its infectious melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and groundbreaking music video, the song continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and captivate audiences to this day. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of music to both reflect and shape the world around us.

• Release Date: June 4, 1984
• Artist: Frankie Goes to Hollywood