Waterfront

Album: Sparkle In The Rain (1983)
Charted: 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The waterfront in this song is the River Clyde in Glasgow, where the band is from. "The song itself is about the rebirth of our city," Simple Minds lead singer Jim Kerr told Songfacts. "It talks about the water, and anyone listening might think it's Biblical. A baptism or something."

    Glasgow was economically depressed at the time, but walking along the river, Kerr got a sense of hope.
  • The song is driven by a big bass pulse that was generated by a Dynacord amplifier and sampler. This was relatively new technology and the sound they got out of it was modern and anthemic, making it perfect for live performance. It became a concert favorite for the band.
  • Released as the first single from Sparkle In The Rain, "Waterfront" went over well in the UK, but got little attention in America, where the band didn't chart until 1985, when "Don't You (Forget About Me)," their contribution to the movie The Breakfast Club, went to #1.
  • Michael Been, lead singer of The Call, was a big fan of this song. The Call was often the opening act for Simple Minds, and the band members became good friends. In 1989, The Call had their biggest hit with "Let The Day Begin," which owes a debt to "Waterfront." That was quite alright with Jim Kerr.

    He told Songfacts: "He played me 'Let The Day Begin,' but before I had the chance to say anything - because I wouldn't have said it, but I was thinking it - he said, 'It's not a million miles from 'Waterfront,' is it?' And I said, 'No, it's not.' It's got the same rhythm, but his song is much better."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Jello Biafra

Jello BiafraSongwriter Interviews

The former Dead Kennedys frontman on the past, present and future of the band, what music makes us "pliant and stupid," and what he learned from Alice Cooper.