The Story Behind The Song
Marco Polo was the last person to see a unicorn. It was in 1292, on a stopover in Indonesia during his long return voyage to Venice after spending years in China. It was not the majestic white horse of legend with a slender horn projecting from its forehead, however, but a grey, squat and brutish animal with a triangular-shaped horn. Of course, we know it as a rhinoceros, but to even to a well-travelled medieval mind, what else could it have been? The moral of the story is that we tend to interpret the world according to our preconceptions; we perceive what we believe.
So when we hear a luscious, synth ballad with the beguiling opening line "Heaven is closer now today" we immediately think it is about the rapture of falling head over heels because we associate such tender words and music with love songs. But like medieval explorers, we can be deceived. No, this renowned classic is about the relief of escaping a toxic relationship.
In 1984, the term "toxic" was not commonly applied to a relationship, which is defined as one in which mutual respect and support is replaced by constant blame, criticism and fighting. The lyrics in the verses reflect this: "I cannot believe the things you say", "And tears to pave the way" and "Twisting the bones until they snap" (frustration boiling over). They contradict the sentiment of the chorus and music, creating the misdirection. The pivotal line is at the end of the second verse: "And then you turn and go". The heavenly feeling, the bliss, is seeing the partner leave.
"We were probably a bit too clever for our own good and wanted to do something that was subversive," explained singer and co-writer, Kevin Patterson. "Its lyrics are like an anti-love song. It's someone singing about another person who they really don't like. When you're in their company it's terrible and when they go it feels like heaven."
(Feels Like) Heaven was written by Patterson and Eddie Jordan (keyboards) and, like many great hits, the song evolved quickly into its final form, taking just over a day to write. Patterson says: "When Eddie and I got a handle on the main themes of the song, everything gained a momentum and life of its own and it all fell into place without either of us having to debate or agonise over anything. It all just flowed and we knew there was something different about what we'd written."
Fiction Factory were formed in Perth, Scotland, by Patterson, Jordan and Chic Medley (guitar) in 1982. After playing in other groups and becoming disillusioned with constant touring, the idea was to churn out songs for other artists, similar to a ghost writer. The group would not exist as a proper group, hence the name Fiction Factory. However, the addition of two further members, Graham McGregor (bass) and Mike Ogletree (drums), led to the creation of a traditional group that could record and play live.
The single was released on New Year's Eve in 1983 and climbed the charts in the first weeks of 1984. Success was not only instant but long-lasting, the track becoming a mainstay on 1980s compilation albums and radio playlists to this day. But it was a one hit wonder; subsequent singles and two albums were flops by comparison, and the Factory closed down in 1987. Ogletree was the only member who continued to work in the music industry, the others found jobs in graphic design, sailing, hospitality and IT.
The original line-up continues to perform live and royalty cheques regularly roll in three times a year. "I won't retire on it," Patterson explains, "but it bought the double glazing and some conversions in the house."
Not bad for a group that was not supposed to exist.
We hereby instate Feels Like Heaven by Fiction Factory on The Wall as No.11 Best Single of 1984
Has the relief of escaping a toxic relationship sounded this good?Dave B
