Bananarama, formed in London in 1981 by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey, became one of the most successful female pop groups of the 1980s.
Known for their catchy melodies, distinctive vocal harmonies, and stylish image, the trio first gained attention with early new wave hits before achieving global fame through their collaboration with producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman. With chart-topping singles such as ‘Cruel Summer,’ ‘Venus,’ and ‘Love In The First Degree,’ Bananarama secured a place in pop history, earning a Guinness World Record as the all-female group with the most chart entries worldwide.
Even as their lineup evolved, the group maintained a loyal fan base and continued recording and performing, celebrated for their role in shaping the sound and style of 1980s pop music.
Bananarama’s 1984 single “Robert De Niro’s Waiting” is a quirky, fun, and irresistibly catchy pop gem that perfectly captures the trio’s playful charm. Released from their second album Bananarama, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a UK Top 3 hit, thanks to its infectious chorus and lighthearted nod to the Hollywood star. With its mix of upbeat melodies and the group’s trademark harmonies, “Robert De Niro’s Waiting” showcased Bananarama’s knack for turning everyday themes into clever, memorable pop. Decades later, it remains one of their most iconic tracks, a nostalgic reminder of the group’s unique place in ’80s music.
The song peaked at No. 03 in the UK charts on the 31st March 1984.
| A-Side | Robert De Niro’s Waiting (3:29) (Dallin, Fahey, Woodward, Jolley, Swain) Produced By Steve Jolley, Tony Swain |
| B-Side | Push! (4:06) (Dallin, Fahey, Woodward, Jolley, Swain) Produced By Steve Jolley, Tony Swain |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | February 1984 |
| Label | LONDON |
| Catalogue Number | NANA 6 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 10th March 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 03 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 10th March 1984 – 5th May 1984 |
| 38-22-8-[3]-3-5-12-23-39 |
Officially Released Versions
Robert De Niro’s Waiting [Single Version] [3:29]
Robert De Niro’s Waiting [Extended Version] [5:42]
Robert De Niro’s Waiting [Instrumental] [3:44]
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Hopes dashed to the floor
Like shattered teenage dreams
Boys living next door
Are never what they seem
A walk in the park can become a bad dream
People are staring and following me
This is my only escape from it all
Watching a film or a face on the wall
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
(Talking Italian)
Robert De Niro’s waiting
I don’t need a boy
I’ve got a man of steel
Don’t come any closer
I don’t wanna feel
You’re breathing, you’re touching, but nothing’s for free
I never want this to happen to me
Don’t try to change me, you’re wasting your time
Now I’ve got something much better in mind
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
(Talking Italian)
Robert De Niro’s waiting
A walk in the park can become a bad dream
People are staring and following me
This is my only escape from it all
Watching a film or a face on the wall
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Talking Italian
(Talking Italian)
Robert De Niro’s waiting
Written by Tony Swain, Keren Jane Woodward, Siobhan Maire Deirdre Fahey, Steven Jolley, Sarah Elizabeth Dallin
