Nobody Knows (Nik Kershaw song) explained

Nobody Knows
Cover:Nobody Knows.jpg
Caption:Cover of the Nobody Knows 7" Single
Type:single
Artist:Nik Kershaw
B-Side:One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing
Album:Radio Musicola
Released:[1]
Genre:
Label:MCA
Producer:Nik Kershaw
Prev Title:When a Heart Beats
Prev Year:1985
Next Title:Radio Musicola
Next Year:1986

"Nobody Knows" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw. It was released as the lead single from his third studio album Radio Musicola (1986). The release was Kershaw's tenth single, and features the non-album track, "One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing", as its B-side.

Background

The single reached No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart in 1986, which marked the beginning of a downturn in Kershaw's fortunes on the single charts. It also meant that it was the first time that a Kershaw single failed to make the top 40 since his first single, "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", in 1983.[2]

Writing

The song's lyrics refer to tabloid journalism, the paparazzi, and the public's right to know intimate details of celebrities' lives.

Release

The single was released in the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Italy, and France.[3] The B-side for the single "One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing" was exclusive to the single, written and produced solely by Kershaw. It has only been released on the compilation album The Best of Nik Kershaw (1993) since, which also featured the extended 12" mix of "Nobody Knows".

Track listing

7" single (MCA NIK 10)[4]
A. "Nobody Knows" – 4:18
B. "One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing (Instrumental)" – 3:38

12" single (MCA NIKT 10)[5]
A. "Nobody Knows" (Extended Mix) – 7:29
B1. "One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing (Instrumental)" – 3:38
B2. "Nobody Knows" – 4:18

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.[6]

Charts

Chart (1986)Peak
position
UK Singles Chart44
Australian Singles Chart73
Irish Singles Chart20
Japanese Singles Chart2

Notes and References

  1. Smith. Robin. 20 September 1986. News Digest. Record Mirror. 42.
  2. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 299. .
  3. Web site: Nik Kershaw - Nobody Knows.
  4. Nobody Knows. Nik Kershaw. 1986. liner notes. MCA. NIK 10.
  5. Nobody Knows. Nik Kershaw. 1986. liner notes. MCA. NIKT 10.
  6. Book: Radio Musicola liner notes. 1986. MCA Records.