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 1986 hit “Lessons In Love” is a masterclass in sophisticated ’80s pop, blending infectious hooks with the band’s trademark jazz-funk flair. Mark King’s punchy bass lines drive the track with effortless precision, while the polished synths and soaring vocals give it a bright, anthemic feel. Beneath its upbeat exterior, the song reflects on the complexities of relationships, adding emotional depth to its glossy production.
“Lessons In Love” remains one of Level 42’s most enduring tracks—timeless, melodic, and instantly recognizable from the first shimmering notes.
It peaked at No. 03 in the UK Singles Chart on 10th May 1986.
| A-Side | Lessons In Love (4:01) (Mark King, Roland Gould, Walter Badarou) Produced By Wally Badarou, Level 42 |
| B-Side | Hot Water (Live) (6:14) (Mark King, Phil Gould, Walter Badarou, Mike Lindup) Produced By Greg Jackman, Level 42 |
| Genre | Electronic, Funk, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | April 1986 |
| Label | POLYDOR RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | POSP 790 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 26th April 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 03 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 10 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 26th April 1986 – 28th June 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
Lessons In Love (Single Version) (4:01)
Lessons In Love (7″ Version) (3:45)
Lessons In Love (Extended Version) (6:58)
Lessons In Love (Remix) (7:50)
Lessons In Love (Dub Mix) (5:51)
Lessons In Love (Album Version) (4:06)
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
I’m not proud, I was wrong
And the truth is hard to take
I felt sure we had enough
But our love went overboard
Lifeboat lies lost at sea
I’ve been trying to reach your shore
Waves of doubt keep drowning me
All the dreams that we were building
We never fulfilled them
Could be better, should be better
For lessons in love
For restless eyes, egos burn
And the mold is hard to break
Now we’ve waded in too deep
And love is overboard
Heavy hearts, token words
All the hopes I ever had
Fade like footprints in the sand
All the homes that we were building
We never lived in
Could be better, should be better
Lessons in love
If we lose the time before us
The future will ignore us
We should use it, we could use it, yeah
Lessons in love
Lost without love
Lessons in love
When will you ever learn
Lessons in love
When there’s nowhere left to turn
Lessons in love
Don’t let your spirit burn
Lessons in love
I’ll wait ’till you return
All the dreams that we were building
We never lived them
We should use it, we could use it, yeah
For lessons in love
All the homes that we were building
we never lived in
Could be better, should be better
Lessons in love
If we lose the time before us
The future will ignore us
We should use it, we could use it, yeah
Lessons in love
Written By Mark King, Roland Gould, Walter Badarou
