Nik Kershaw is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with his intelligent pop songwriting, distinctive voice, and polished synth-driven sound. Emerging from the new wave scene, he quickly became a chart fixture with hits such as “Wouldn’t It Be Good” and “The Riddle,” earning a reputation for crafting lyrically thoughtful, musically intricate singles that stood apart from typical mainstream pop.
Beyond his success as a performer, Kershaw has enjoyed a respected career as a songwriter and producer, penning tracks for major artists and continuing to release well-regarded solo work. His blend of technical skill, melodic sophistication, and creative longevity has secured his place as one of the era’s most enduring and respected pop craftsmen.
The song “Wouldn’t It Be Good” is one of Nik Kershaw’s standout ’80s classics, pairing smart, emotionally charged lyrics with a sleek, synth-driven sound that still feels instantly recognizable today. Released in 1984, the track captures a sense of frustration wrapped in shimmering keyboards, sharp guitar lines, and Kershaw’s signature vocal intensity. Its unforgettable chorus and futuristic production helped it become a major hit, cementing Kershaw as one of the decade’s most inventive pop voices.
Even now, “Wouldn’t It Be Good” shines as a perfect blend of style, substance, and pure ’80s atmosphere.
The song peaked at No. 04 in the UK Singles Chart on 3rd March 1984.
| A-Side | Wouldn’t It Be Good (4:37) (Nik Kershaw) Produced By Peter Collins |
| B-Side | Monkey Business (3:30) (Nik Kershaw) Produced By Peter Collins |
| Genre | SynthPop, Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 20th January 1984 |
| Label | MCA |
| Catalogue Number | NIK 2 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 4th February 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 04 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 11 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 4th February 1984 – 14th April 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
Wouldn’t It Be Good (Single Version) (4:37)
Wouldn’t It Be Good (Special Extended Mix) (6:51)
Wouldn’t It Be Good (Remix) (7:40)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
I got it bad
You don’t know how bad I got it
You got it easy
You don’t know when you’ve got it good
It’s getting harder
Just keeping life and soul together
I’m sick of fighting
Even though I know I should
The cold is biting
Through each and every nerve and fiber
My broken spirit
Is frozen to the core
I don’t want to be here no more
Wouldn’t it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day?
Wouldn’t it be good if we could wish ourselves away?
Wouldn’t it be good to be on your side?
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn’t it be good if we could live without a care?
You must be joking
You don’t know a thing about it
You’ve got no problem
I’d stay right there if I were you
I got it harder
You couldn’t dream how hard I got it
Stay out of my shoes
If you know what’s good for you
The heat is stifling
Burning me up from the inside
The sweat is coming
Through each and every pore
I don’t want to be here no more
I don’t want to be here no more
I don’t want to be here no more
Wouldn’t it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was for just one day?
Wouldn’t it be good if we could wish ourselves away? Ooh
Wouldn’t it be good to be on your side?
The grass is always greener over there
Wouldn’t it be good if we could live without a care?
I got it bad
You don’t know how bad I got it
You got it easy
You don’t know when you’ve got it good
It’s getting harder
Just keeping life and soul together
I’m sick of fighting
Even though I know I should
I don’t want to be here no more
I don’t want to be here no more
Written By Nik Kershaw
