Hue and Cry, the Scottish pop duo formed by brothers Pat and Greg Kane in 1983, earned acclaim in the late 1980s for their sophisticated blend of blue-eyed soul, pop, and jazz influences. Rising to prominence with their 1987 hit single ‘Labour Of Love’ and album Seduced And Abandoned, the duo quickly established themselves as thoughtful songwriters, pairing socially conscious lyrics with polished, melodic arrangements.
Their follow-up albums, including Remote (1988), further cemented their reputation for intelligent pop craftsmanship, while their energetic live performances showcased their musical versatility. Though mainstream chart success tapered in the 1990s, Hue And Cry have sustained a loyal following through consistent recording, touring, and reinvention, securing their legacy as one of Scotland’s most respected and enduring musical acts.
Hue And Cry’s 1987 single ‘Labour Of Love’ remains a standout track from the Scottish duo’s early career, combining catchy pop hooks with socially aware lyrics. The song, from their debut album Seduced And Abandoned, showcases Pat Kane’s emotive vocals and Greg Kane’s sophisticated production, blending soul, jazz, and pop in a way that feels both polished and heartfelt. Its thoughtful storytelling and infectious melody helped the track connect with a wide audience, earning Hue And Cry recognition beyond the UK charts.
Decades later, ‘Labour Of Love’ still resonates as a smart, engaging example of ’80s pop with substance, highlighting the duo’s knack for making music that’s both entertaining and meaningful.
The song peaked at No. 06 in the UK charts on 8th August 1987.
| 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 |
| Genre | Funk, Soul, Pop |
| Release Date | June 1987 |
| Label | CIRCA RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | YR 4 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 18th July 1987 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 06 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| 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)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
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
