Victims Of Circumstance

Album: Victims Of Circumstance (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Though not a few album covers have been inspired by or based on songs, "Victims Of Circumstance" was actually based on the design of the album sleeve which was chosen before recording started. According to Keith Damone of the band's fan club and website, their management commissioned an artist to design some album covers, and he came back with the design and the title "Victim Of Circumstance". David Walker suggested to John Lees and Les Holroyd that they should try to write a song with that title, and, as John told the Friends Of Barclay James Harvest newsletter in March 1985, 'Strangely enough I had written a song ["Rebel Woman"] when the Korean plane was shot down by the Russians and the chorus was 'Victims Of Circumstance'. It was funny because I hadn't mentioned this and then this guy came up with it.'
    Then Les wrote a song around the title, as suggested, penning an anti-war song, with some very bitter words for the politicians and leaders who keep their people in the dark and ignore their wishes.
  • The single was released in the UK on the Polydor label on March 16, 1984 backed by an instrumental version. The album was released the following month. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.