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

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.