Spandau Ballet is one of the defining bands of the 1980s, emerging from London’s burgeoning New Romantic scene with a polished blend of pop, soul, and sophisticated synth-driven style. Formed by brothers Gary and Martin Kemp along with Tony Hadley, Steve Norman, and John Keeble, the group became known for their sharp fashion aesthetic and impeccably crafted songs that bridged club culture and mainstream pop.
Their 1983 album True propelled them to international success, producing era-defining hits like “Gold” and the smooth, romantic title track. With lush production, powerful vocals, and a flair for emotional drama, Spandau Ballet helped shape the sound and image of ’80s pop, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the decade’s most elegant and influential acts.
Spandau Ballet’s 1982 single “Lifeline” marked a confident step into a smoother, more soulful direction, showcasing the band’s growing sophistication and mainstream appeal. Featuring a warm, melodic arrangement and Tony Hadley’s rich, expressive vocals, the track blends pop sensibility with subtle funk influences, creating a polished sound that hinted at the chart success soon to follow.
Its sleek production, memorable chorus, and emotive delivery helped establish “Lifeline” as a pivotal release, bridging the group’s earlier New Romantic edge with the more refined style of their mid-’80s peak. Today, the song remains a standout in Spandau Ballet’s catalog—elegant, heartfelt, and undeniably timeless.
The song peaked at No. 07 in the UK Singles Chart on 23rd October 1982.
| A-Side | Lifeline (3:21) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Tony Swain, Steve Jolley, Spandau Ballet |
| B-Side | Live And Let Live (3:19) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Tony Swain, Steve Jolley, Spandau Ballet |
| Genre | Electronic, Rock, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | 24th September 1982 |
| Label | CHRYSALIS |
| Catalogue Number | CHS 2642 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 3rd October 1982 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 07 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 06 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 3rd October 1982 – 13th November 1982 |
Officially Released Versions
Lifeline (Single Version) (3:21)
Lifeline (Album Version) (3:34)
Lifeline (12″ Mix) (5:26)
Lifeline (12″ Dub Version) (5:17)
Lifeline (7″ Short Dub Version) (3:37)
Lifeline (A cappella) (2:02)
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
Changing her colors she’s off to the shore
She rides the soul train and he fight the law
There’s a power in his voice and it makes her feel so sure
So live and live in love
One day he’ll build a statue with his hands
So gentle when he tries to understand
This subterfuge he never really planned
Now you’re living in the lifeline
We’re moving
In the lifeline
We’re walking
In the lifeline
We’re throwing
So live and let live in love
Exchanging their letters their exits begun
With deathless precision he’s aiming his gun
A democracy of sorts that justifies the sum
So live and let die in love
Neither has the ghost of a chance
Those decisions only can be made once
You never really know just what you’re giving
‘Til you’re living in the lifeline
We’re moving
In the lifeline
We’re walking
In the lifeline
We’re throwing
He could have built a statue with his hands
So gentle when he tries to understand
You never really know just what you’re giving
‘Til you’re living in the lifeline
We’re moving
In the lifeline
We’re walking
In the lifeline
We’re throwing to you
But I’m not living
Written by Gary Kemp
