I always loved this song, but really hated the Gabrielle Aplin cover, because I always felt it missed the point. Yes, in some ways this is a fairly straight love song. But there's also a darker side to it as well; the kind of love Holly Johnson is offering here is so powerful and intense, so all-consuming. "Love is danger" is the key line. It's quite clear there is a deep erotic love on offer.
Partly because of that, I always felt that for the object of the lover's desire to be "protected" by Holly would be fraught with risk. From the frying pan into the fire. From the hooded claw to a lover who loves you so much they're just as terrifying. Any cover that doesn't see the darkness in this song is covering only half of it.
Partly I think you have to remember that Frankie in the mid-80s were a by-word for dangerous, hedonistic sex, and that vibe is very strong in this song, despite its occasional prettiness.
I always loved this song, but really hated the Gabrielle Aplin cover, because I always felt it missed the point. Yes, in some ways this is a fairly straight love song. But there's also a darker side to it as well; the kind of love Holly Johnson is offering here is so powerful and intense, so all-consuming. "Love is danger" is the key line. It's quite clear there is a deep erotic love on offer.
Partly because of that, I always felt that for the object of the lover's desire to be "protected" by Holly would be fraught with risk. From the frying pan into the fire. From the hooded claw to a lover who loves you so much they're just as terrifying. Any cover that doesn't see the darkness in this song is covering only half of it.
Partly I think you have to remember that Frankie in the mid-80s were a by-word for dangerous, hedonistic sex, and that vibe is very strong in this song, despite its occasional prettiness.
@mr_disco2003 I am 11 years late to say it but this is a brilliant analysis.
@mr_disco2003 I am 11 years late to say it but this is a brilliant analysis.