Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Mel & Kim’s “Respectable” is an exuberant slice of late-1980s dance-pop, bursting with infectious energy, bold vocals and the unmistakable production style of Stock Aitken Waterman. Released in 1987, the song captured the confident, playful spirit of the era while establishing the British sister duo as distinctive personalities within the contemporary pop scene.
Written and produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, the track combines punchy synthesizers, a driving electronic beat and a chorus designed to make an immediate impression. Mel and Kim Appleby deliver the lyrics with attitude and personality, their contrasting vocal styles adding character to the song’s lively arrangement. The production is bright and tightly constructed, balancing the precision of electronic pop with a sense of spontaneity that makes the recording feel effortlessly fun.
The song’s central message challenges the idea that success or personal worth depends on conforming to other people’s expectations. Its repeated insistence on being “respectable” is delivered with a knowing sense of humour, turning a potentially serious subject into an entertaining declaration of independence. The duo’s confident performance reinforces the idea that individuality should be celebrated rather than suppressed.
Mel & Kim’s distinctive image and natural chemistry helped set them apart from many manufactured pop acts of the period. Their music combined polished studio craftsmanship with an engaging sense of personality, and “Respectable” remains one of the clearest examples of that approach.
With its irresistible rhythm, memorable refrain and spirited delivery, the song remains a quintessential late-eighties pop favourite, full of attitude, confidence and infectious good humour.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 28th March 1987.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Respectable (Single Version) (3:22) (Stock, Aitken, Waterman) Produced By Stock, Aitken, Waterman |
| B-Side | Respectable (Instrumental) (4:01) (Stock, Aitken, Waterman) Produced By Stock, Aitken, Waterman |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [13 Weeks] – 7th March 1987 – 30th May 1987 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Respectable (Single Version) (3:22)
- Respectable (Extended Version) (6:18)
- Respectable (Extra Beats Vocal) (8:10)
- Respectable (The Tabloid Mix) (7:53)
- Respectable (Shop Mix) (6:17)
- Respectable (Album Version) (6:36)
- Respectable (Alternative 12″ Mix) (6:41)
- Respectable (Pete Hammond Mix) (5:47)
- Respectable (Mega Remix) (9:08)
- Respectable (Extra Beats Version) (6:11)
- Respectable (Instrumental) (4:09)
- Respectable (12″ Instrumental) (6:06)
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OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Respectable
Respectable
Respectable
Respectable
Take, take, take, take, take-take, t-t-take, take
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable
It’s a occupation, we’re a dancing nation
We keep the pressure on every night
Explanations are complications
We don’t need to know the “Where?” or “Why?”
Take, take, take, take, take-take, t-t-take, take
Taking chances, bold advances
Don’t care if you think we’re out of line
Conversation is interrogation
Get out of here, we just don’t have the time
Take, take, take, take, take-take, t-t-take, take
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us, but you’ll never change us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Respectable
Respectable
Respectable
Hesitation is just frustration
Give us the music and we’re alright
On each occasion, for your information
We can look after ourselves alright
Take, take, take, take, take-take, t-t-take, take
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us, but you’ll never change us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Respectable
Respectable (ahahaha)
Respectable
Fascination is our sensation
We like to put ourselves on the line
Recreation is our destination
So, don’t wait up for us tonight
Take, take, take, take, take-take, t-t-take, take
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us but you’ll never change us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us but you’ll never change us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We ain’t never gonna be respectable
Written By Stock, Aitken & Waterman
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