Story Behind The Song
Released in 1986, “For America” became the biggest UK hit for British duo Red Box. Taken from their debut album, The Circle & the Square, the single combined sophisticated pop songwriting with folk-inspired rhythms, atmospheric production and influences drawn from Native American music. Its distinctive sound helped the band stand apart from many of their contemporaries and earned them widespread critical acclaim during the mid-1980s.
Written by Simon Toulson-Clarke and Julian Close, “For America” is both melodic and thought-provoking, reflecting on themes of identity, hope and social responsibility. Rather than being a straightforward political statement, the song presents a broader message about humanity and the search for a better future. Rich vocal harmonies, tribal percussion and shimmering synthesisers blend together to create a unique and instantly recognisable sound that remains one of the band’s trademarks.
Although they released several further singles, including the popular “Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo),” they were unable to repeat the commercial success of “For America.” Nevertheless, the song has endured as a standout example of intelligent, adventurous British pop from the 1980s. Today, it is remembered for its uplifting melody, innovative production and timeless message, remaining the recording most closely associated with Red Box.
The song peaked at No. 10 on the UK Charts on the 22nd November 1986.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Record Label
Catalogue Number
ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | For America (3:45) (Simon Toulson-Clarke) Produced By David Motion |
| B-Side | R ‘N A (4:04) (Simon Toulson-Clarke, Julian Close) Produced By Red Box |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 1st November 1986 – 10th January 1987 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
For America (Single Version) (3:45)
For America (Bazooka Mix) (6:00)
For America (Boys Own Mix) (3:41)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Deviate to contemplate this audio visual opiate
(One hundred years from now)
Title fights and human rights, we’re satellites, you’re parasites
(Hey-yah-ha)
Now I’ve got to tell you that I’ve been down, down so low that I bit the ground
(Let’s hear it from the heart of America)
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-oh
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-ah, ya-da-dee-yeh-ah (Ah)
In Americ-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-eh
Urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei USA (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round (In America)
Yea-oh-ayda-yea-ooh-ah
A pocket full of posies and cheap-scented roses
(Every house should have its hat on)
So in and out and round and round, up and down and lost and found
(Hey-yah-ha)
Magazines and gasoline and made-in-Taiwan western scenes
(Will you hear us in the heart of America?)
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-oh
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-ah, ya-da-dee-yeh-ah (Ah)
In Americ-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-eh
Urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei USA (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round (In America)
Yea-oh-ayda-yea-ooh-ah, in America
Yeah, eh
Na-na-ne-na-ne-na-na
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-oh
Ya-da-dee-yeh, yea-ah, ya-da-dee-yeh-ah
In Americ-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-eh
Urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei-urelei USA (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round (For America)
Where’s the peace and understanding?
Go drum, go dance, sound on sound
All this peace and understanding
Go drum, go dance, round and round
Written By Simon Toulson-Clarke
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