Words (The Christians song) explained

Words
Cover:	Words.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	the Christians
Album:	Colour
B-Side:	Long Gone
Released:	^[1]
Length:	7:17
Label:	Island
Producer:	Laurie Latham
Prev Title:	Ferry Cross the Mersey
Prev Year:	1989
Next Title:	I Found Out
Next Year:	1990

"Words" is a song by English band the Christians. It was the first single from their second album, Colour (1990). Released on 11 December 1989, the song reached number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and became a number-one hit in France, where it topped the SNEP chart for two weeks in May 1990. "Words" additionally became a top-10 hit in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Song information

The group adapted a famous refrain of Irish folk heritage, known as "Mná na hÉireann", written by Seán Ó Riada, which translates as "Women of Ireland". It has been recorded by The Chieftains and Kate Bush among many others.

According to expert of French charts Elia Habib, the song has a "sweet both melody and performance".^[2]

The song's lyrics are written on the cover of the CD maxi and the vinyl.

This single had great success in France, although the group was not really known to the general public. The song achieved lesser success in the UK where it reached number 18 (as in Sweden) and was a failure in Germany.

In France, "Words" debuted at number 48 on the chart edition of 10 March 1990, climbed every week and reached number one for two weeks, and spent 11 weeks in the top ten and 19 weeks in the top 50. It was the band's best-selling single in France. The song was also a top ten hit in Belgium (Flanders), Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands.

Music video

The song's music video is notable for stunning landscape, and features Port Isaac, Doyden Castle (Port Quin), and Boscastle in Cornwall, England.

Track listings

• CD maxi

1. "Words" – 7:17
2. "Long Gone" – 3:22
3. "Funny Money" – 3:35

• 7-inch single

1. "Words" – 5:26
2. "Long Gone" – 3:22

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1989–1990)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA Chart)^[3]	152
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)^[4]	8
Europe (European Airplay Top 50)^[5]	13
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)^[6]	20
Spain (AFYVE)^[7]	4

Year-end charts

Chart (1990)	Position
Belgium (Ultratop)^[8]	95
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)^[9]	32
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)^[10]	41

See also

• List of number-one singles of 1990 (France)

Notes and References

1. New Singles. Music Week. 31. 9 December 1989. 25 June 2021.
2. Book: Habib, Elia . Muz hit.tubes . Alinea Bis . 2002 . 184 . French . 2-9518832-0-X.
3. Web site: Bubbling Down Under 5 November 1990. www.bubblingdownunder.com. 5 November 2021. 6 November 2021.
4. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Music & Media. 7. 22. IV. 2 June 1990. 6 March 2021.
5. European Airplay Top 50. Music & Media. 7. 12. 24 March 1990. III. 29800226. World Radio History. 2 November 2021.
6. Book: Pennanen, Timo . Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 . 2021 . The Christians. 47. Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava . Helsinki. 22 June 2022.
7. Book: Salaverri, Fernando. Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002. 1st. September 2005. Fundación Autor-SGAE. Spain. 84-8048-639-2.
8. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 1990. Ultratop. nl. 6 March 2021.
9. Eurochart Hot 100 of 1990. Music & Media. 7. 51. 60. 22 December 1990. 29800226. 15 January 2020. World Radio History.
10. Web site: Single top 100 over 1990. Top40. nl. 12 April 2010.