Labour of Love (song)

"Labour of Love" is a hit single by Scottish duo/brothers Greg and Pat Kane, better known as Hue and Cry. It was released as their second single in 1987 after their first hit "I Refuse" had failed to make the UK top 75. [http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=14024]

Showcasing a somewhat funky sound that was much different than their later ballad releases, this song remains their biggest hit to date, peaking at #6 on the UK Singles Chart and meriting inclusion on many hits compilations of the 1980s.

The song is written from the perspective of a disillusioned working-class Conservative voter of the mid-1980s who has worked hard to believe in Thatcher's story of a new proud, individualist Britain and who is now realising that there is less "gain" than "pain" in doing so. [Interview with Pat Kane, May 2008]

The band had a lucky break with this single when they were asked to perform it on the BBC music show Top Of The Pops at short notice. American band Los Lobos were booked to be on the show that week with their hit La Bamba but due to a mix-up with their visa applications they were unable to perform. Hue and Cry were asked to fill the gap in the show and the exposure this generated help propel the single up the UK charts. [Interview with Pat Kane, May 2008]

In 1993, this song was remixed by house music producer/DJ Joey Negro and released as a single that reached #25 in the UK charts.

References

1. http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=14024

2/3. Interview with Pat Kane, May 2008