Turning forever I never could tell
If this was a heaven or this was a hell
I reach out and take my piece of the cake
Sanctuary
Hiding comes easy we hide every day
In this world far apart from a world far away
I've still yet to find that place in my mind
Sanctuary
Nothing can change it now
Nothing can change it now
But I'm still looking
I'm still looking
I'm still looking looking I'm looking
So follow the rivers and follow your dreams
It's all in your mind it's just what it seems
Whatever they care is it all in the air
Sanctuary
Nothing can change it now
Nothing can change it now
But I'm still looking
I'm still looking
I'm still looking looking looking
I'm looking at you you look at me
We look for another sanctuary
But every day we look away
We think this is really sanctuary
I'm looking at you you look at me
We look for another sanctuary
But every day we look away
We think this is really sanctuary
We think this is really sanctuary
We think this is really sanctuary
We think this is really
Believing is seeing and doubting is blind
Whatever it is whatever you find
Just reach out and take your piece of the cake
Sanctuary
Nothing can change it now
Nothing can change it now
But I'm still looking
I'm still looking
I'm still looking looking looking
I'm still looking
I'm still looking
I'm still looking looking I'm looking
I'm looking at you you look at me
We look for another sanctuary
But every day we look away
We think this is really sanctuary
I'm looking at you you look at me
We look for another sanctuary
But every day we look away
We think this is really sanctuary
I'm looking at you you look at me
We look for another sanctuary
But every day we look away
We think this is really sanctuary
Well, this is the one that "did it" for me (I think. It may have been 'World of Water', but I think it was this). I'd already heard 'Living by Numbers' and liked it, but once I heard 'Sanctuary' I put the album firmly on my "wants" list which in those days was fairly selective thanks to my lack of funds (ie pocket money!).
The archetypal NM sound. Infectious hook, trademark synths, guitar, metronomic beat. What are the lyrics about? Not a clue. But who cares when presented with such a perfect pop cut? Can I hear a bit of John Foxx's 'Underpass' in there? Certainly some of the synth are is a nod in that direction. Reverse Echo on the 'Sanctuary' vocal - who sings that, sounds female? Tony's vocals are relatively untreated. But imperious nevertheless.
Actually, the beat is slightly less metronomic and frenzied than usual.
White noise, subterranean sounds, those sustained synth pads. It's all here.
I love this track. That "cutoff" ending too, another NM trademark. Brings back so many memories. I was mainly (still am) into Electronic Music in those days. New Musik, (and Genesis), provided some welcome contrast.
"Nothing can change it now.". Thankfully, no change is needed. Tony & crew at their best. And what a feast on the vinyl single B side! But, we'll get to those at a later stage!
(Graham G)
Now this one does bring back memories for me. That picture sleeve on the 7" single with the lads stood at the top of a fight of steps in what appears to be a stately home garden. (Hampton Court maybe?) Great lighting, very arty. Tony at the front in his white boiler suit, hands in pockets...
The track begins with a glittery synth on top of a doomy sounding buzzing synth. Tension mounts. The (12-string) acoustic strums, and Tony gulps breath and delivers the intro with conviction. "Turning Forever, I Never Could Tell, If This Was A Heaven, Or This Was A Hell"... (How can a song which starts with these words be so damned enjoyable?)
We are then introduced to female backing vocalist Jane Kennaway, who reminds us of the title of the track. And does a very fine "Ooh ooh!" Perfect female backing vocalist accompaniment: not overdone as would become the case with lots of 80s pop.
The lyrics are intelligent - all about alienation and loneliness - but it comes across more bittersweet than depressing. But in any case you don't need to understand them to know they just work so well.
This is another energetic, fairly fast paced track, except for the break at 2:06 where the intro synths reappear along with an echoey sounding percussion. It adds an air of mystique and spaciousness.
Some nice Tony harmonies ("Nothing Can Change It Now"). In fact, Tony puts a lot of effort into his vocal delivery here.
You know it's about to start to draw to a close at 3:38, when the percussion changes to more hand clap than drum. Towards the end it breaks down gracefully, before the final few seconds where some icy synths seemingly get cut off early in true Mansfield fashion. (Note this is quite different to the 7" single version ending). I am left wanting more.
So, a top tune, and as a single it should have been huge. Not really a song you could dance to, however. But by this stage of hearing the album for the first time you are probably becoming aware that this musik is too good to dance to...
98/100
Wonderful.
(Richard M)
Tony's comment on the 'Underpass' similarity... "John Foxx used the same riff as in 'Sanctuary' on 'Underpass'. It's on our old demos, honest!"
(Taken from Sounds 24/5/80)