About The Song
We Built This City by Starship
Release: 1985 (as a single) on the album Knee Deep in the Hoopla (1985)
Genre: Pop rock / New wave (some debate)
Written by: Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf
Original performers: Starship (featuring vocals by Mickey Thomas)
Chart positions:
- US Billboard Hot 100: #5
- UK Singles Chart: #6
Background and Composition:
“We Built This City” was written by an interesting combination of songwriters. Bernie Taupin, a frequent collaborator with Elton John, teamed up with Martin Page and Dennis Lambert, along with Peter Wolf (of The J. Geils Band). Originally, it was intended as a lament for the decline of Los Angeles’ live music scene, with lyrics referencing the closure of many clubs.
However, the song took a different direction with Starship. The catchy melody, driving beat, and Mickey Thomas’ powerful vocals transformed it into a rock anthem.
Debate Around the Song’s Meaning:
While some interpretations stick to the original lament about a fading music scene, others see it as a commentary on the changing social landscape and corporate influence in the city.
Legacy:
“We Built This City” became a signature song for Starship. It’s instantly recognizable and remains a popular choice for 80s playlists and karaoke nights.
Interesting Facts:
- The song features a memorable synthesizer riff and a spoken-word section with the line “Marconi plays the mambo.” This is a reference to Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of radio, and the mambo being a popular Latin dance style.
- The music video for “We Built This City” is a visually striking piece featuring the band performing in various locations around Los Angeles. You can find the remastered video in HD [YouTube]([redacted Starship We Built This City video]).
- The song has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be a cultural touchstone.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤