United We Stand (song)
| "United We Stand" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| B-side | "A Little Bit of Heaven" (12") Say A Prayer (7") |
"United We Stand" is a song written by Tony Hiller and Peter Simmons. 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]
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.[3]
It has been recorded by over 100 different artists.[4] 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.[4][5] 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".[6] A sound-alike cover appeared on the 1970 album Top of the Pops, Volume 10.[7] Irish Popstars winners Six also recorded a version which appears on their album. Phish closed out their three-night stand at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on September 6, 2015,to end a 7-song encore with the song, playing to 26,000 people in attendance and a live stream on the Internet.[8]
References
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Top 100 Hits of 1970/Top 100 Songs of 1970". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ Billboard. 1970-03-14. p. 64. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ^ a b "Tony Hiller and Brotherhood of Man : Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts.com. 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ "Lee Sheriden | Metro News". Metro.co.uk. 2009-10-27. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ Dave Thompson. "Top of the Pops, Vol. 10 - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ^ "Phish Surprises With Rare 'Harpua' Encore And Bust Outs Galore In Spectacular Dick's Tour Closer". Live for Live Music. 7 September 2015.