Level 42, formed on the Isle of Wight in 1979, became one of the UK’s most accomplished jazz-funk and pop bands, known for their sophisticated musicianship and smooth, radio-friendly sound. Led by Mark King’s distinctive thumb-slap bass technique and the polished vocals of King and keyboardist Mike Lindup, the band blended technical skill with strong melodic hooks. They rose to prominence in the early to mid-1980s with hits like “Something About You,” “Lessons In Love,” and “Running In The Family,” achieving major success across Europe and the United States. Throughout their career,
Level 42 earned a reputation for tight, dynamic live performances and a seamless fusion of funk, pop, and jazz elements. Their enduring influence can be heard in the work of modern funk and fusion artists, solidifying their legacy as one of the era’s most musically accomplished bands.
Level 42’s “Hot Water” is a punchy, infectious burst of jazz-funk energy that shows the band at their rhythmic best. Released in 1984, the track features Mark King’s signature slap-bass fireworks, Mike Lindup’s bright keyboard lines, and a groove that practically leaps out of the speakers.
Its lively chorus and tight, dynamic arrangement helped the single climb into the UK Top 20, quickly becoming a fan favorite. “Hot Water” perfectly captures Level 42’s ability to blend technical brilliance with feel-good pop accessibility — a high-spirited tune that still gets people moving decades later.
The song peaked at No. 18 in the UK charts on 22nd September 1984.
| A-Side | Hot Water (3:40) (M.King, P. Gould, M. Lindup, W.Badarou) Produced By Ken Scott |
| B-Side | Standing In The Light (3:43) (M.King, P. Gould, W.Badarou) Produced By Larry Dunn, Verdene White |
| Genre | Funk, Soul, Jazz-Funk, SynthPop |
| Release Date | August 1984 |
| Label | POLYDOR |
| Catalogue Number | POSP 697 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 1st September 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 18 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 07 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 1st September 1984 – 13th October 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
Hot Water (Single Version) (3:40)
Hot Water (Mastermix) (10:24)
Hot Water (Album Version / Remix) (5:35)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Tell me something
Why do I always find it hard just to get along
Try my best for nothing
Every little thing I do is wrong
Feel it in my brain
Driving me insane
Round and round
The same old tune
Daddy’s on the phone
You know you’re not alone
Turn that down
And clean up your room
Sons and daughters
(Don’t fall in)
In hot water
Sons and daughters
(They don’t do)
What they oughta
Tell (tell) you something (why?)
Music is the key to set me free
To the beat (on the street) I’m jumping
Forgetting all the things they said ’bout me (why?)
Here it comes again
Chugging like a train
Round and round
An impeccable groove
I know it’s getting late
But I won’t hesitate
Can’t slow down
Got to do what I do
Sons and daughters
(Always in)
In hot water
Wasting time
Is a crime in their eyes
But I’m still young
So much time to decide what to do
I don’t need confirmation
For my boyhood extrapolation
Though I’m not sure of my direction
I have the groove for my protection
Here it comes again
Chugging like a train
Round and round
An impeccable groove
I know it’s getting late
But I won’t hesitate
Can’t slow down
Got to do what I do, what I do
Sons and daughters
(Don’t fall in)
In hot water
(When they fall by the way)
Sons and daughters
(They don’t do)
What they oughta
Sons and daughters
(Don’t fall in)
In hot water
(When they fall by the way)
Sons and daughters
(They don’t do)
What they oughta
Sons and daughters
(Don’t fall in)
In hot water
(When they fall by the way)
Written By M. King, P. Gould, M. Lindup, W. Badarou
