Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Released in 1982 as the title song from the film Fame, “Fame” became one of the defining musical recordings of the early Eighties. Written by composer Michael Gore and lyricist Dean Pitchford, the song was produced by Gore and performed by Irene Cara, who also played aspiring singer Coco Hernandez in Alan Parker’s film.
The song captures the ambition, excitement and uncertainty of young performers dreaming of success. Its central message is delivered with exuberance, but there is also an underlying awareness that fame demands hard work and sacrifice. Cara’s powerful, expressive vocal gives the recording an infectious energy, moving effortlessly between intimate verses and the explosive chorus.
Gore and Pitchford wrote the song during production of the film, with Pitchford drawing on his own experiences as a performer when developing the lyrics. The instantly memorable opening phrase came to him when Gore first played him the chorus melody. Luther Vandross was among the backing vocalists and contributed the repeated “remember” vocal that became an integral part of the arrangement.
Musically, “Fame” combines disco, pop and funk influences with synthesizers, guitars, percussion and a powerful rhythm section. Its performance in the film perfectly complements the youthful energy of the students, while Cara’s passionate delivery gives the song a sense of aspiration that extends far beyond the movie itself. It remains an enduring celebration of ambition, performance and the desire to be remembered.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 17th July 1982.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Irena Cara Fame (3:48) (Gore, Pitchford) Produced By Michael Gore |
| B-Side | Contemporary Gospel Chorus The High School Of Music And Art Never Alone (3:21) (Evans) Produced By Michael Gore |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [13 Weeks] – 10th July 1982 – 2nd October 1982 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Fame (Single Version) (3:48)
- Fame (Extended Soundtrack Version) (5:16)
- Fame (Special Mix) (7:38)
- Fame (Instrumental Version) (5:21)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Baby, look at me
And tell me what you see
You ain’t seen the best of me yet
Give me time, I’ll make you forget the rest
I got more in me
And you can set it free
I can catch the moon in my hands
Don’t you know who I am?
Remember my name
(Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
I’m gonna learn how to fly (High)
I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry (Fame)
I’m gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame (Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
Baby, remember my name
(Remember, remember, remember, remember)
(Remember, remember, remember, remember)
Baby, hold me tight
‘Cause you can make it right
You can shoot me straight to the top
Give me love and take all I’ve got to give
Baby, I’ll be tough
Too much is not enough, no
I can ride your heart ’til it breaks
Ooh, I’ve got what it takes
(Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
I’m gonna learn how to fly (High)
I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry (Fame)
I’m gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame (Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
Baby, remember my name
(Remember, remember, remember, remember)
(Remember, remember, remember)
(Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
I’m gonna learn how to fly (High)
I feel it coming together
People will see me and cry (Fame)
I’m gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame (Fame)
I’m gonna live forever
Baby, remember my name
(Remember, remember, remember, remember)
(Remember, remember, remember, remember)
Remember my name
(Fame)
I’m gonna live forever (Fame)
I’m gonna learn how to fly (High)
I feel it coming together (Fame)
People will see me and cry (Fame)
I’m gonna make it to heaven (Fame)
Light up the sky like a flame (Fame)
Oh, I’m gonna live forever (Fame)
Baby, remember my name (Fame)
I’m gonna live forever (Fame)
I’m gonna learn how to fly (High)
I feel it coming together (Fame)
People will see me and cry (Fame)
I’m gonna make it to heaven (Fame)
Written By Gore, Pitchford
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