History Repeating

Album: Decksandrumsandrockandroll (1997)
Charted: 19
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This features vocals from veteran Welsh singer Shirley Bassey. She says she was asked to participate after Propellerhead Alex Gifford wrote the song with her in mind. She explained in the Miami New Times, November 19, 1998: "He said he was asleep, and he thought about me, and these words came out. And I asked, what's a 35-year-old man doing thinking about a grandmother? I couldn't imagine!" The Propellerheads sent a demo to Bassey, who loved it but thought it might be more appropriate for Tina Turner, but the Propellerheads persuaded her to record it, arguing they wrote it specifically for her.

    The Propellerheads said: We approached her last summer when our profile was rising and we felt confident enough to try a few mad ideas. The song was written specifically for her and she recognized we weren't taking the mickey. We couldn't expect her to come to our hovel in Bath so we booked a London studio, got the champagne and roses in and wore our best shirts."
  • This is included on the soundtrack of the 1998 film There's Something About Mary.
  • The song was used as the theme for the UK Channel Four show So Graham Norton, comedian Graham Norton's chat show, which ran from 1998 to 2002. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England

Comments: 2

  • Jaydub from CaDame Shirley Bassey has an amazing voice...just as perfect as when she recorded Goldfinger.
  • Tina from Norcross, GaI've heard this song in two places: one, during a car commercial (it says something that I can remember the song and remember it was a car commerical but can't remember the make or model of car!); and two, during Larry King's 50th anniversary special. It's an infectious beat that just won't get out of your head.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.