Story Behind The Song
Released in 1987, “Labour Of Love” became the breakthrough hit for Scottish duo Hue and Cry and remains their best-known recording. Written by brothers Pat and Greg Kane, the song appeared on their debut album, Seduced and Abandoned, introducing audiences to their distinctive blend of sophisticated pop, blue-eyed soul and jazz influences. Its polished sound and intelligent songwriting helped set the duo apart from many of their contemporaries during the late 1980s.
Despite its upbeat melody, “Labour Of Love” tells the story of a relationship that has reached its breaking point. The lyrics describe the emotional exhaustion of investing everything into a romance that ultimately cannot be saved, with the title reflecting the idea that love can become demanding rather than rewarding. Pat Kane’s expressive vocal performance captures both frustration and vulnerability, while Greg Kane’s polished musical arrangements combine crisp percussion, elegant keyboards and subtle brass touches to create an irresistible groove.
The success of “Labour Of Love” established Hue And Cry as one of Britain’s most promising new acts and laid the foundations for a successful recording career. Their sophisticated approach to songwriting and musicianship earned them a loyal following, with the song remaining a staple of their live performances. Today, “Labour Of Love” is regarded as one of the standout British pop singles of the late 1980s, admired for its memorable melody, soulful production and emotional honesty. It continues to be celebrated as the song that introduced Hue And Cry’s unique musical style to a wider audience.
The song peaked at No. 06 on the UK Singles Chart on the 8th August 1987.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Labour Of Love (3:33) (Pat Kane/Greg Kane) Produced By Harvey Jay Goldberg & James Biondolillo |
| B-Side | Widescreen (3:45) (Pat Kane/Greg Kane) Produced By Gregory Kane |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 18th July 1987 – 12th September 1987 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Labour Of Love (Single Version) (3:33)
Labour Of Love (Extended Version) (4:25)
Labour Of Love (Version Super-Bad) (6:25)
Labour Of Love (US 7″ Version) (3:00)
Labour Of Love (US 12″ Remix) (5:34)
Labour Of Love (Dub Version) (4:00)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
You said, you recall about seven years ago now
You said, that you we’re so tough
And I loved it, oh
Loved you for putting me down in a totally new way
Down with, the bad old, sad old days
(Get away now)
But now, too much pain for too little gain
And I feel like I’m gonna strike back right now
Gonna withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart, yeah
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your cold heart
Ain’t gonna work for you no more
Ain’t gonna work, for you no more
Ha, easy, I noticed you said it never was gonna be easy
But not this hard
You’re so cold, so cold
The romance goes when the promises break
My mistake was to love you a little too much
Gonna withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart, yeah
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart, baby now
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart, yeah
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your cold heart
Ain’t gonna work for you no more
Ain’t gonna work, for you no more
I can’t stand it, I said I just don’t want it
Never gonna need it, anyway yeah
I can’t stand it, I said I just don’t want it
Never gonna need it, anyway
I don’t want you, I don’t need you
I don’t need your tricks and treats
I don’t need your ministration, your bad determination
I’ve had enough of you, and your super-bad crew
I don’t need your, I don’t need your
Pseudo-satisfaction baby
I can’t stand it, I said I just don’t want it
Never gonna need it, anyway yeah
I can’t stand it, I don’t want it
I don’t need your pseudo-satisfaction baby
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your heart
Withdraw my labour of love
Gonna strike for the right to get into your cold heart
Ain’t gonna work for you no more
Written By Pat Kane, Greg Kane
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