Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Wham!’s “The Edge Of Heaven” brought George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s partnership to a thrilling conclusion, combining exuberant pop energy with a bold, soulful sound. Released in 1986, the song demonstrated how far the duo had travelled from their early, youthful image, embracing a more mature musical style while retaining the infectious spirit that had made them one of Britain’s most successful pop acts.
Written by George Michael, who also produced the recording, “The Edge Of Heaven” is driven by punchy brass, a lively rhythm section and a powerful vocal performance. The arrangement draws on the traditions of American soul and gospel, with energetic backing vocals adding depth and momentum to the chorus. Michael’s lead vocal is confident and expressive, moving between playful delivery and full-throated intensity as the song builds towards its exuberant climax.
Beneath its bright, celebratory sound, the lyrics explore desire, temptation and the excitement of a passionate relationship. The title suggests the intoxicating feeling of being caught between pleasure and danger, with the narrator willing to surrender to the moment despite the uncertainty involved. This combination of emotional intensity and musical exuberance gives the song a distinctive character within Wham!’s catalogue.
The accompanying video featured Michael and Ridgeley performing alongside their backing musicians, reflecting the song’s energetic, performance-led approach. It also formed part of the final chapter of Wham!’s career before their farewell concert at Wembley Stadium in June 1986.
“The Edge Of Heaven” remains a fitting farewell to the duo: exuberant, sophisticated and bursting with the confidence of two musicians at the height of their powers.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 28th June 1986.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | The Edge Of Heaven (Single Version) (4:36) (Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B1-Side | Wham Rap ’86 (6:30) (Michael, Ridgeley) Produced By George Michael |
| B2-Side | Battlestations (5:32) (Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B3-Side | Where Did Your Heart Go? (5:45) (Was, Was) Produced By George Michael |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 21st June 1986 – 9th August 1986 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- The Edge Of Heaven (Single Version) (4:36)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Ahhh
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I would lock you up but I could not bear to hear you
Screaming to be set free
I would chain you up if I’d thought you’d swear
The only one that mattered was me, me, me
I would strap you up but don’t worry baby
You know I wouldn’t hurt you unless you wanted me to
It’s too late to stop, won’t the heavens save me?
My daddy said the devil looks a lot like you
Take me to the edge of heaven
Tell me that my soul’s forgiven
Hide your baby’s eyes and we can…
Take me to the edge of heaven
One last time might be forever
When the passion dies
It’s just a matter of time before my heart is looking for a home
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I’m like a maniac at the end of the day
I’m like a doggie barking at your door
So come and take me back to the place you stay
And maybe we can do it once more
I’m dangerous but don’t worry, baby
I get excited at the things that you do
And there’s a place for us in a dirty movie
‘Cause no one does it better than me and you
Take me to the edge of heaven
Tell me that my soul’s forgiven
Hide your baby’s eyes and we can
Take me to the edge of heaven
One last time might be forever
Please don’t tell me lies
It’s just a matter of time before my heart is looking for a home
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I ain’t got no more worries
I’m gonna spend some time with you
Loving you takes such courage
And don’t you think that
I know it, I know it, I know it, I know it
I know it, I know it, I know it, I know it
Filthy
Take me to the edge of heaven
Tell me that my soul’s forgiven
Hide your baby’s eyes and we can
We can, woo
Take me to the edge of heaven
One last time might be forever
Don’t you tell me lies
Because believe me, baby
One day you’ll wake up on your own
Yeah yeah yeah (WOO)
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
La da da da da
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I ain’t got no more worries
I ain’t got no more time for you
Loving you takes such courage
Everyone’s got their eye on you
I ain’t got no more worries
I ain’t got no more time for you
Loving you takes such courage
And don’t you think that
I know it, I know it, I know it, I know it
Written By George Michael
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