Thompson Twins (Into The Gap)

The Album
Thompson Twins (Into The Gap) is an iconic album that captures the essence of the synth-pop and new wave era. Released on 17 February 1984, this record solidified the band’s place in music history and remains a timeless gem for fans of the genre.
The album opens with the infectious and unforgettable “Doctor! Doctor!” which immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. The catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms are emblematic of the band’s signature sound, blending electronic elements with pop sensibilities. “You Take Me Up” continues the upbeat vibe, with its uplifting chorus and memorable synth lines.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Hold Me Now,” which remains the Thompson Twins’ most enduring hit. This song perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic, romantic essence of 80s pop music. The emotionally charged lyrics combined with Tom Bailey’s distinctive vocals create a beautiful and timeless ballad that still resonates with listeners today.
Thompson Twins (Into The Gap) also explores deeper themes. “Sister of Mercy” and “No Peace for the Wicked” offer a more introspective and melancholic side to the album, showcasing the band’s versatility in songwriting. These tracks provide a welcome contrast to the more upbeat numbers, adding depth to the overall listening experience.
Throughout the album, the production quality is top-notch, featuring a rich palette of synthesizers and electronic elements that were cutting-edge for the time. The band’s ability to craft memorable hooks and melodies is evident in every track, making it difficult not to sing along or tap your foot to the infectious beats.
In terms of lyrics, “Into the Gap” explores themes of love, longing, and the complexities of relationships, which were common themes in 80s pop music. While the lyrics may not be overly complex, they are relatable and resonate with the emotions of the era.
In retrospect, “Into the Gap” remains a quintessential 80s album that represents the era’s musical spirit. Its catchy tunes, heartfelt ballads, and expertly crafted production make it a classic in the synth-pop and new wave genre. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of 80s music or discovering it for the first time, this album is a must-listen that stands the test of time. Thompson Twins’ “Into the Gap” is a journey back to the golden age of synth-pop, and it’s a journey worth taking.
Track Listing
- Doctor Doctor
- You Take Me Up
- Day After Day
- Sister Of Mercy
- No Peace For The Wicked
- The Gap
- Hold Me Now
- Storm On The Sea
- Who Can Stop The Rain
Doctor Doctor
Lyrics
I saw you there
Just standing there
And I thought I was only dreaming, yeah
I kissed you then
Then once again
You said you would come and dance with me
Dance with me
Across the sea
And we can feel the motion of a thousand dreams
Doctor! Doctor!
Can’t you see I’m burning, burning?
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Is this love I’m feeling?
Lips at night
Give such delight
But we all leave before the morning light
Please don’t go
No, please don’t go
‘Cause I don’t want to stay here on my own
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Can’t you see I’m burning, burning?
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Is this love I’m feeling?
Doctor! Doctor!
Can’t you see I’m burning, burning?
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Is this love I’m feeling?
Fever breathe your love on me
(Breathe your love)
Take away my name
(Take away)
Fever lay your hands on me
(Breathe your love)
Never be the same
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Can’t you see I’m burning, burning?
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Is this love I’m feeling?
Doctor! Doctor!
Can’t you see I’m burning, burning?
Oh Doctor! Doctor!
Is this love I’m feeling?
Come with me
And make believe
We can travel to eternity
Hold Me Now
Lyrics
I have a picture pinned to my wall
An image of you and of me
And we’re laughing, we’re loving it all
But look at our life now, all tattered and torn
We fuss and we fight and delight in the tears
As we cry until dawn
Oh-oh, hold me now
Whoa, warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start
You say I’m a dreamer
We’re two of a kind
Both of us searching for some perfect world
We know we’ll never find
So perhaps I should leave here
Yeah, yeah, go far away
But you know that there’s nowhere that I’d rather be
Than with you here today
Oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh-oh
Hold me now
Whoa, warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh, hold me now
Whoa, warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh-oh
You ask if I love you
What can I say?
You know that I do
And that this is just one of those games that we play
So I’ll sing you a new song
Please, don’t cry any more
I’ll even ask your forgiveness
Though I don’t know just what I’m asking it for
Oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh-oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Whoa, warm my heart
(Warm my cold and tired heart)
Stay with me
(Oh, will you stay with me?)
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Whoa, warm my heart
(Warm my cold and tired heart)
Stay with me
(Oh, will you stay with me?)
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Whoa, warm my heart
(Warm my cold and tired heart)
Stay with me
(Oh, will you stay with me?)
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Whoa, warm my heart
(Warm my cold and tired heart)
Stay with me
(Oh, will you stay with me?)
Let loving start
Let loving start
Whoa-oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Whoa, warm my heart
(Warm my cold and tired heart)
Stay with me
(Oh, will you stay with me?)
Let loving start
Let loving start
Sister Of Mercy
Lyrics
She lives in a big white house
The rooms are lemon and she’s devoted to life
Of keeping this house just right, ooh, ooh
The weekends are perfectly nice ooh, ooh
And she doesn’t talk when he comes home at night
Twenty five years she’s just the same
She’s a lonely woman, quiet in her ways
Then he comes home one night
She kills him with a knife
Now she’s the one who’s a living in paradise
(Chorus)
(Sister of mercy) No sister of mercy
Oh don’t cry for me
(Sister of mercy) No sister of mercy
It’s all alright for me
Now she sits in a big white chair
In a room that’s not so different to the one back there
She turns her face to the light
But she is blinded by her life
You can hear her cry alone at night
(REPEAT CHORUS)
So have mercy on that woman you don’t know the way it’s been
You don’t know the trouble her eyes have seen
Can you feel the kiss of life when you come home at night?
Well, you better not turn your back on a paradise
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Sister of mercy (Sister of mercy)
Sister of mercy oh, oh
Sister of mercy (Sister of mercy)
Sister of mercy oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(REPEAT CHORUS x 2)