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

EA-0019

Highest Chart Position

No. 04

Date Released

11th July 1988

Genre

Electronic, Pop, Downtempo, Ballad

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

6th August 1988

Record Label

SIREN RECORDS

Catalogue Number

SRN 68

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

UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Back

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
37
17
06
04
04
10
16
25
39

OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS

Hands To Heaven (Single Version) (4:19)
Hands To Heaven (Extended Heaven) (6:23)

See ALL releases of ‘Hands To Heaven’ on Discogs.

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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