In the vibrant landscape of mid-1980s British pop, few debuts arrived with the same kinetic force and polished sophistication as Go West’s “We Close Our Eyes.” Released in the early spring of 1985, the track served as the opening salvo for the London-based duo comprising Peter Cox and Richard Drummie. It was a song that perfectly captured the sonic zeitgeist of its era while showcasing a level of blue-eyed soul vocal prowess and complex musicianship that set them apart from their synthesiser-reliant contemporaries. At its core, the track is a masterclass in driving pop-funk, built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology and raw, emotive performance.
The song immediately hooks the listener with its iconic, rhythmically complex intro. A sharp, synthesized bassline locks into a crisp, heavily gated drum pattern, creating an urgent, forward-moving momentum. This mechanical precision is instantly humanised by Peter Cox’s remarkable vocal delivery. Cox possesses one of the most powerful and distinctive voices of the decade, characterized by a gritty, soulful intensity that contrasts beautifully with the slick, electronic production. When he sings the opening lines, there is an immediate sense of yearning and existential urgency. He doesn’t merely sing the melody; he grapples with it, pushing the emotional stakes of the track far beyond standard synth-pop fare.
Lyrically, “We Close Our Eyes” navigates the delicate boundary between optimism and fear, focusing on the human tendency to seek refuge in dreams or ignorance when faced with an uncertain future. The central metaphor of closing one’s eyes operates on multiple levels. On one hand, it represents a romantic, hopeful act of imagination—picturing a better world or holding onto a fleeting moment of connection. On the other hand, it hints at a collective denial, a coping mechanism for a generation living under the lingering anxieties of the Cold War era.This duality gives the song a philosophical weight. It acknowledges that while the world outside may be daunting, the spaces we create behind closed eyes offer a sanctuary of limitless possibility.
Every element of the mix is meticulously placed, from the bright, staccato keyboard stabs to Richard Drummie’s subtle yet foundational guitar work, which injects a necessary dose of funk into the electronic arrangements. The chorus is an explosive release of tension, a soaring, anthemic peak where Cox’s vocals ascend into a passionate falsetto, backed by lush, layered harmonies that demand listener participation. It is a structure designed to replicate the feeling of awakening, a sonic burst of light that mirrors the lyrical theme of vision and revelation.
Beyond the audio track itself, the legacy of “We Close Our Eyes” is inextricably linked to its groundbreaking music video, directed by Godley & Creme. Kevin Godley and Lol Creme were pioneers in the visual medium, known for their innovative use of practical effects and surreal imagery. For Go West, they crafted a minimalist, high-energy visual that became an MTV staple. The video features Cox and Drummie performing in a stark, stylized warehouse setting, surrounded by animated, dancing wooden artist mannequins. The jerky, synchronized movements of these figures perfectly complemented the song’s rigid, funk-driven rhythm. Interspersed with shots of Cox’s intense facial expressions and Drummie playing a futuristic, headless bass guitar, the video solidified the duo’s image as modern, stylish innovators and helped propel the single into the top five of the UK Singles Chart.
Decades after its release, “We Close Our Eyes” remains a towering achievement in pop songwriting and production. It avoids the trap of becoming a mere museum piece of 1980s nostalgia because its core elements—a spectacular vocal performance, an irresistible groove, and a genuinely compelling lyrical premise—are timeless. The song successfully bridged the gap between the slick pop-rock of the American airwaves and the stylized synth-pop of the British underground. Go West proved that synthesizers and drum machines did not have to drain the humanity out of music; instead, they could be used to amplify the soul, passion, and energy of a truly great performance.
The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK charts on 13th April 1985.
Lyrics
Inside, everyone hides one desire
Outside, no one would know
Danger, close to the edge of the knife
Safer not to let go
And while we miss chances
You can almost hear time slipping away
We close our eyes, we never lose a game
Imagination never lets us take the blame
We close our eyes to see the final frame
We close our eyes to time slipping away
No show, Wednesday girl waits with the wine
She knows just what to say
While no one listens
You can almost hear time slipping away
We close our eyes, we never lose a game
Imagination never lets us take the blame
We close our eyes to see the final frame
We close our eyes and
We can talk to strangers
We are burning with the spark
And we can walk on water
We are tigers in the dark
We are burning
We close our eyes
Heroes never give in to the night
He knows how far he can run
And as he surrenders
You can almost hear time slipping away
We close our eyes, we never lose a game
Imagination never lets us take the blame
We close our eyes to see the final frame
We close our eyes
We close our eyes, we never lose a game
Imagination never lets us take the blame
We close our eyes to see the final frame
We close our eyes
We close our eyes, we walk on water
Lets us take the blame
We are burning
Talk to strangers
Written by Peter Cox, Richard Drummie
