"Waterfront" is a song by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released as the first single from their sixth studio album, Sparkle in the Rain (1984), in November 1983. "Waterfront" became a chart hit around the world, topping the New Zealand Singles Chart for two weeks during February 1984. It also reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, number 16 in Sweden, number 19 in Australia and number five in Ireland.
Contents
Background and recording
Prior to the release of "Waterfront" as the first single from Simple Minds' forthcoming album Sparkle in the Rain in November 1983, the song had been premiered at a live gig a few months earlier and in a radio session for Kid Jensen.
Composition
It features a bass line consisting of a single note (D) throughout. The version as released on 7-inch vinyl single differs from versions available on CD. The original single did not feature the repetitive bassline that leads into the main body of the song but had a "one, two....one, two, three, four.." drumstick count-in by drummer Mel Gaynor.
The song originated from the one-note bassline Derek Forbes came up with. The lyrics, which express a feeling of hope for rebirth, were written by Jim Kerr and inspired by his walking along the River Clyde in summer 1983 watching the decline of the shipyard industry in his native Glasgow.
Music video
The music video features a shot of a live performance of the song to an invited audience at Barrowland's Ballroom in Glasgow on 20 November 1983, with additional black-and-white footage of the band on Renfrew Ferry and aerial shots of the River Clyde.
Track listings
7-inch single
"Waterfront" – 4:43
"Hunter and the Hunted" (recorded live at the City Hall, Newcastle, 20 November 1982) – 6:00
12-inch single
"Waterfront" (extended version) – 5:48
"Hunter and the Hunted" (recorded live at the City Hall, Newcastle, 20 November 1982) – 6:00
Personnel
Produced by Steve Lillywhite
Engineered by Howard Gray
Words and music by Simple Minds
Additional production and remix on "Waterfront" (extended version) by Steve Lillywhite