Duran Duran – Save A Prayer

 Now that’s a song that evokes a very specific time and place – the early 1980s, the dawn of the MTV era, and the rise of the new wave sound. Released in 1982 as the third single from their sophomore album Rio, “Save a Prayer” marked a turning point for the young band.

Duran Duran had already established themselves as heartthrobs with their previous singles, “Planet Earth” and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” both infectious dance tracks with a playful, synth-heavy sound. “Save a Prayer”, however, was a departure. It was slower, more atmospheric, and possessed a brooding sensuality that surprised and captivated audiences.

The song’s origins are interesting. While Duran Duran was known for their collaborative songwriting style, frontman Simon Le Bon has credited the unlikely influence of Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot for the song’s melancholic tone. Le Bon reportedly found inspiration in Lightfoot’s use of minor chords and introspective lyrics. This influence is evident in the song’s opening verse, where Le Bon’s vocals take on a more earnest quality compared to the band’s previous work.

But “Save a Prayer” wasn’t all about introspection. The song’s backbone is Nick Rhodes’s mesmerizing synthesizer line, a hypnotic arpeggio that weaves its way throughout the track, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. John Taylor’s bass guitar provides a steady foundation, while Roger Taylor’s drumming adds a subtle driving force. The result is a soundscape that is both sophisticated and seductive.

Lyrically, “Save a Prayer” remains open to interpretation. On the surface, it appears to be a song about a one-night stand, with Le Bon pleading with a lover to “save a prayer” for him. However, there’s a deeper layer that suggests a yearning for something more, a hint of regret or longing beneath the surface. This ambiguity added to the song’s allure, allowing listeners to project their own experiences and emotions onto the lyrics.

The song’s success was undeniable. It became Duran Duran’s biggest hit in the UK at the time, reaching number two on the charts. The now-iconic music video, featuring the band performing in a religious setting intercut with scenes of a burning crucifix, caused controversy and further fueled the song’s mystique. “Save a Prayer” cemented Duran Duran’s status as pop idols but also showcased their ability to evolve and experiment with their sound. It remains a cornerstone of their discography and a prime example of the innovative and influential music that emerged from the new wave movement.

Video

Lyrics

“Save A Prayer”