So Much For Love

Album: Pearl Harbor And The Explosions (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "So Much for Love" is a song by San Francisco's trailblazing new wave band Pearl Harbor & the Explosions. From their 1980 self-titled debut, the song takes a cynical look at love, portraying a cold and empty relationship. Written by guitarist Peter Bilt with additional lyrics by frontwoman Pearl Harbor, the song's message is clear: Love can go sour.

    In a Songfacts interview with Pearl Harbor, she explained: "Peter Bilt from The Explosions actually wrote the song, including most of the lyrics. I just added some additional lyrics and changed some of his around. He came up with the title and arrangement. I suppose you could say that the lyrics speak for themselves – it's about love gone wrong."
  • Susanna Hoffs, the singer and guitarist of the Bangles, added a funky spin to "So Much for Love" on her 1991 solo debut album, When You're a Boy. The idea came from David Kahne, her producer, who also produced the original version by Pearl Harbor & the Explosions.

    "So Much for Love" wasn't the only cover on When You're a Boy. Hoffs also covered David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging," even using a line from the song for the album's title.
  • After the breakup of Pearl Harbor & the Explosions, Harbor relocated to London and launched a solo career. There, she met and married Paul Simonon, the bassist for The Clash. Their marriage lasted seven years.

    Looking back on her London days, Harbor told Songfacts: "It was fantastic and I had a blast. The music scene in London was amazing and we went out to see live music every week. I was so lucky to be there at that time."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

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.

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.