Story Behind The Song
Released in 1988, “Hands To Heaven” became the biggest UK hit for British band Breathe. Taken from their debut album, All That Jazz, the song showcased the group’s polished blend of pop, soul and soft rock. With its gentle melody, sophisticated production and heartfelt lyrics, it stood out among the more energetic chart hits of the late 1980s and established Breathe as one of Britain’s most accomplished adult contemporary acts.
Written by band members David Glasper and Marcus Lillington, “Hands To Heaven” is a tender ballad about love, regret and the longing to rekindle a relationship. Glasper’s smooth, expressive vocals are supported by understated keyboards, tasteful guitar work and a restrained arrangement that allows the emotion of the song to shine through. Its memorable chorus and polished musicianship helped make it an enduring favourite with radio audiences.
In the UK, “Hands To Heaven” became the band’s highest-charting home success. Although Breathe followed it with further chart entries, including “How Can I Fall?” and “Say A Prayer,” neither matched its popularity. Today, “Hands To Heaven” remains the song most closely associated with the band and is regarded as one of the standout British ballads of the decade, remembered for its elegant production, emotional sincerity and timeless appeal.
The song peaked at No. 04 in the UK Singles Chart on 27th August 1988.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Record Label
Catalogue Number
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Hands To Heaven (4:19) (D. Glasper, M. Lillington) Produced By Bob Sargeant |
| B-Side | Life And Times (4:46) (D. Glasper, M. Lillington) Produced By Breathe |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 6th August 1988 – 1st October 1988 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Hands To Heaven (Single Version) (4:19)
Hands To Heaven (Extended Heaven) (6:23)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
As I watch you move
Across the moon-lit room
There’s so much tenderness in your loving
Tomorrow, I must leave
The dawn knows no reprieve
God, give me strength when I am leaving
So raise your hands to heaven and pray
That we’ll be back together someday
Tonight, I need your sweet caress
Hold me in the darkness
Tonight, you calm my restlessness
You relieve my sadness
As we move to embrace
Tears run down your face
I whisper words of love so softly
I can’t believe this pain
It’s driving me insane
Without your touch
Life will be lonely
So raise your hands to heaven and pray (And pray)
That we’ll be back together someday
Tonight, I need your sweet caress
Hold me in the darkness
Tonight, you calm my restlessness
You relieve my sadness
Tonight, I need your sweet caress
Hold me in the darkness
Tonight, you calm my restlessness
You relieve my sadness
Morning has come, another day
I must pack my bags and say
Goodbye, goodbye
Tonight, I need your sweet caress (Oh whoa)
Hold me in the darkness (Darkness)
Tonight, you calm my restlessness (Oh whoa)
You relieve my sadness (Sadness)
Tonight, I need your sweet caress (Oh whoa)
Hold me in the darkness
Tonight, you calm my restlessness (You calm my restlessness)
You relieve my sadness
No, no, whoa
Oh, oh, oh whoa
Written by D. Glasper, M. Lillington



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