Sign Your Name

Album: Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent d'Arby (1987)
Charted: 2 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Next to "Wishing Well," this was the biggest hit for Terence Trent d'Arby, who changed his name to Sananda Maitreya in 2001. Speaking with Songfacts in 2005, Maitreya said: "It came from a dream where Sade asked me to write a song for her. It was inspired by a dream and seeing Sade perform at Live Aid in the mid-'80s."
  • American singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow recorded a cover of this song for her 2010 100 Miles From Memphis album. Her version, which is recast in the style of Al Green, right down to the distinctive thud of the Hi Records drums, features backing vocals by Memphis native Justin Timberlake. She recalled to Billboard magazine: "He happened to be at (Henson Studios) producing Jamie Foxx, and he was in the hallway. I've always liked him. I played (the song) for him, and when it got to the chorus he's like, 'Who's doing the backgrounds?' I said 'We haven't done them yet,' and he said, 'I got it.' It was all very organic and, man, perfect. People have no idea how talented this guy is."

Comments: 5

  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrMy Aunt Kathy is convinced that this song was originally written by Stevie Wonder. I think she's a little bit crazy!
  • Dane from Lima,ohio, FlWhat a cool song.I love everything about it.It has really neat changes.The bridge is my favorite part,with the do-wop harmonies.Good words too.Should have been a bigger hit.This one crushes "Wishing Well"
  • Valerie from Eureka, CaThis song touches one's soul. It is beautiful!
  • Tayo from Lagos, NigeriaMost phrases of this song were well thought out.
  • Raymond from Sydney , AustraliaThis song speaks about the awesome power of love to make the world the way we want it to be -- in this case the singer assumes this world has to be a mix of heaven and hell: 'it seems to be the way'. The power of love: 'and the earth rotates to our dictates'. I believe this is an example of sexual addiction called lust of concupiscence -- that's the bad news but the good news is awesome. Find me. Consider Isaiah 28:15: heaven and hell and the lie.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

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.

Michael Bolton

Michael BoltonSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for this talk with Bolton from the '80s when he was a focused on writing songs for other artists.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."