United We Stand (song)
"United We Stand" is a song written by Tony Hiller and Peter Simons (aka group member Johnny Goodison). It was first released in 1970 by The Brotherhood of Man (in their original, pre-Eurovision line-up), becoming the band's first hit, peaking at #13 in the U.S., #9 in Canada, and #10 in the U.K.[1] The song spent 15 weeks on the charts, and is ranked as the 64th biggest U.S. hit of 1970.[2] It also reached No.8 in Australia.[3]
"United We Stand" | ||||
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Single by The Brotherhood of Man | ||||
from the album United We Stand | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 23 January 1970 | |||
Genre | Pop, soul | |||
Length | 2:52 | |||
Label | Deram Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | Tony Hiller / Peter Simons | |||
Producer(s) | Tony Hiller | |||
The Brotherhood of Man singles chronology | ||||
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Background
Billboard Magazine gave the song a favourable review on 14 March 1970 calling it a "strong production" and (correctly) predicting it would become a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.[4]
It has been recorded by over 100 different artists.[5] In 1977, it was used as the closing theme song of the short-lived Brady Bunch Hour. Thirty years after the original 1970 hit it was popularised again by becoming a patriotic and spiritual anthem for many during the post 9/11 recovery. It has also been used as a football chant and by gay rights groups.[5][6] Taken literally, the song's lyrics convey two lovers who tell each other that no matter what hardships come their way, they will always be together. In general terms, it relates a message of strength in unity.
The song was later included on an album of the same name and was followed by another hit "Where are You Going to My Love".[7]
Cover versions
- A sound-alike cover appeared on the 1970 album Top of the Pops, Volume 10.[8] Irish Popstars winners Six also recorded a version which appeared on their album.
- Edison Lighthouse covered the song on their 1971 album, Already.
- Elton John covered "United We Stand" on his 1994 LP, Reg Dwight's Piano Goes Pop. It is sung as a duet with Kay Garner.[9]
Adaptations
In French
Belgian singer Liliane Saint-Pierre covered the song in French as Nous resterons unis (We will remain united)[10].
Later uses
Phish closed out their three-night stand at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on 6 September 2015, to end a 7-song encore with the song, playing to 26,000 people in attendance and a live stream on the Internet. The encore spelled out "THANK YOU"[13]
Chart history
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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References
- "united we stand - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- "Top 100 Hits of 1970/Top 100 Songs of 1970". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- Hung, Steffen. "australian-charts.com - Forum - 1970 (ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts)". Australian-charts.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- Billboard. 14 March 1970. p. 64. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- "Tony Hiller and Brotherhood of Man : Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts.com. 30 September 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- "Lee Sheriden | Metro News". Metro.co.uk. 27 October 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 20 October 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Dave Thompson. "Top of the Pops, Vol. 10 - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
- https://www.discogs.com/Reg-Dwight-Reg-Dwights-Piano-Goes-Pop/release/6108941
- Lyrics by Claude François.
- Lyrics by Michael Holm.
- Lyrics by Luigi Albertelli.
- "Phish Surprises With Rare 'Harpua' Encore And Bust Outs Galore In Spectacular Dick's Tour Closer". Live for Live Music. 7 September 2015.
- "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- "The Irish Charts – Search Results – United We Stand". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
- "Adult Contemporary Music Chart". Billboard.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- "Cash Box Top 100 7/11/70". Tropicalglen.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (doc)
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requires|url=
(help). Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. - "Top 100 Hits of 1970/Top 100 Songs of 1970". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- "Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1970". Tropicalglen.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2018.