Hymn (Ultravox song)

"Hymn" is a 1982 song from Ultravox's sixth studio album Quartet. Released as the album's second single, it reached #11 on the British Top 40 singles chart and the Top 10 in Germany and Switzerland.[1]

"Hymn"
Single by Ultravox
from the album Quartet
B-side
  • "Monument"
  • "The Thin Wall (Live)"
Released19 November 1982
Recorded1982 at AIR Studios in London
GenreSynthpop, post-punk, new wave
Length4:24 (single edit)
5:46 (album version)
LabelChrysalis Records
Songwriter(s)Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure
Producer(s)George Martin
Ultravox singles chronology
"Reap the Wild Wind"
(1982)		 "Hymn"
(1982)		 "Visions in Blue"
(1983)

History

The song was written by Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Midge Ure and produced by George Martin. The cover art depicts certain symbols of Freemasonry, most notably the compass and the square.

Drummer Warren Cann wrote the chorus of "Hymn" and was heavily inspired by The Zones' Song "Mourning Star" (1977). Chris Cross wrote the verses with the help of Midge Ure, while Billy Currie wrote the bridge section.

Lyrically, the song describes a time of corruption, in which "all that's good will fall from grace" and "Different words [...] have other meaning"; the protagonist expresses his worldly ambitions for "power and glory" in phrases from Bible ("the storybook"), especially The Lord's Prayer.

In line with this theme, the music video depicts a diabolical figure (played by Oliver Tobias) seducing men struggling in their fields (an actor, a politician, a musician and an office assistant, played by the four Ultravox members). After signing a contract, they all achieve success, though - as hinted at by the final scenes - at a cost.

Track listing

7" version
  1. "Hymn" [single edit] – 4:24 (lyrics: Midge Ure - music: Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure)
  2. "Monument" – 3:16 (Warren Cann, Billy Currie)

12" version
  1. "Hymn" – 5:46
  2. "Monument" – 3:16
  3. "The Thin Wall (Live)" – 5:54 (lyrics: Midge Ure, Warren Cann - music: Warren Cann, Billy Currie, Midge Ure)

Covers

The song has been covered by numerous acts including Magna Charta (1990), Cabballero (1994), Cosmo (1994), German electro project Music Instructor (1995), Supporters (1997), The Stunned Guys (1998), Edguy (1998), DJ Jaxx (2000), 4 Clubbers (2002) Gigi D'Agostino (2003), Lunatica (2004), Tina Cousins (2004), Polish DJ Psychophaze (2005), Mägo de Oz (under the name "Mañana empieza hoy") (2005), Raz Ohara (2005), Age Pee (2006), Trancemission (2006), Parasytic (2008), PROXIMITY (2010), Kirlian Camera (2011), Mägo de Oz again (2013), Marnik & Danko (2018) and Gigi D'Agostino again (2020)

References
  1. Hymn - finnishcharts.com
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