About the song
**Introduction to “Our Lips Are Sealed”**
“Our Lips Are Sealed” is a quintessential 1980s pop anthem that showcases the vibrant energy and creative collaboration between Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s and Terry Hall of the Specials and Fun Boy Three. First released in June 1981, the song was the lead single from the Go-Go’s’ critically acclaimed debut album, *Beauty and the Beat*. This track marked a significant milestone for the Go-Go’s, setting the stage for their breakthrough in the American music scene.
Written and co-produced by Wiedlin and Hall, “Our Lips Are Sealed” captures a blend of infectious pop melodies and spirited punk influences. The Go-Go’s’ original version of the song features an upbeat tempo, characterized by its catchy dance beat and lively keyboard riffs. Lead singer Belinda Carlisle delivers most of the vocals, with Wiedlin contributing the distinctive bridge. This version quickly became a favorite, climbing to the top five in Australia and Canada and securing a top 20 position on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s catchy nature and memorable chorus contributed to its enduring popularity, with its infectious charm earning it a spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs in 2000 and a place on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2021. In the UK, however, the Go-Go’s’ original track only managed to reach number 47, which was later surpassed by the Fun Boy Three’s 1983 rendition. The Fun Boy Three version of “Our Lips Are Sealed” reached the top ten in the UK, showcasing the song’s versatility and wide appeal.
The origins of “Our Lips Are Sealed” are as intriguing as its musical legacy. The song was born out of a personal connection between Wiedlin and Hall during the Specials’ 1980 tour of England. Their brief romantic involvement, despite Hall’s existing relationship, led to a creative collaboration that would become a defining track of the era. The Go-Go’s’ version is notably more upbeat compared to Fun Boy Three’s gloomier interpretation, reflecting the differing styles of the two bands.
The official music video for “Our Lips Are Sealed” enhances the song’s playful and carefree spirit. Directed by Diane Keaton, the video features the band in a series of whimsical and nostalgic scenes, including a ride in a vintage 1960 Buick LeSabre, a visit to Trashy Lingerie, and a splashy finale in a public fountain. Despite initial reluctance from the band, the video became a staple on MTV, contributing to the song’s widespread recognition.
Chart performance for “Our Lips Are Sealed” was notable for its longevity, remaining on the Billboard Hot 100 for 30 weeks. The track’s enduring appeal is a testament to its catchy composition and the dynamic talent of its creators. As a significant piece of pop history, “Our Lips Are Sealed” remains a beloved classic that continues to capture the spirit of the early 1980s and beyond.
Video
Lyrics
Can you hear them?
They talk about us
Telling lies
Well, that’s no surprise
Can you see them?
See right through them
They have no shield
No secrets to reveal
Doesn’t matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Hey, hey, hey
Our lips are sealed
There’s a weapon
That we must use
In our defense
Silence
When you look at them
Look right through them
That’s when they’ll disappear
That’s when we’ll be feared
It doesn’t matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Hey, hey, hey
Our lips are sealed
Pay no mind to what they say
It doesn’t matter anyway
Hey, hey, hey
Our lips are sealed
Hush, my darling
Don’t you cry
Quiet angel
Forget their lies
Can you hear them?
They talk about us
Telling lies
Well, that’s no surprise
Can you see them?
See right through them
They have no shield
No secrets to reveal
Doesn’t matter what they say
In the jealous games people play
Hey, hey, hey
Our lips are sealed
Pay no mind to what they say
It doesn’t matter anyway
Hey, hey, hey
Our lips are sealed
Our lips are sealed
Oh, our lips are sealed