About the song
Laura Branigan, born on July 3, 1952, emerged as a prominent American singer whose career flourished particularly during the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on pop music with her powerful vocals and memorable hits. Her breakthrough came with the platinum-certified single “Gloria” in 1982, a cover of an Italian song by Giancarlo Bigazzi and Umberto Tozzi. This iconic track spent an impressive 36 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 2, and achieved chart-topping success in Australia and Canada. Following this triumph, Branigan continued her ascent with the 1984 hit “Self Control,” reaching No. 1 in Canada and Germany and No. 4 in the U.S., solidifying her place as a chart-topping artist internationally.
Throughout the 1980s, Branigan delivered a string of notable singles, including the Top 10 hit “Solitaire” (1983) and the emotionally resonant ballad “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” (1983), which topped the U.S. Adult Contemporary Chart. Her versatility as an artist was showcased in her rendition of Umberto Tozzi’s “Ti Amo” (1984), a chart-topping success in Australia. The late 1980s saw her return to the charts with “The Power of Love” (1987) and “Shattered Glass” (1987), further establishing her as a formidable presence in pop and dance music.
Branigan’s career extended beyond studio albums to include contributions to renowned soundtracks, such as the Grammy and Academy Award-winning Flashdance (1983) and Ghostbusters (1984). Her accolades included winning the Tokyo Music Festival in 1984 with “The Lucky One,” underscoring her global appeal and recognition.
Despite a decline in chart success towards the end of the 1980s, Branigan remained dedicated to her craft and ventured into theatrical performances, notably portraying Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway musical Love, Janis. She embarked on a comeback in the early 2000s, preparing new music and performances, but tragically passed away at her home in August 2004 due to a cerebral aneurysm, leaving behind a legacy of timeless hits and artistic contributions.
In 2019, Branigan’s music experienced a resurgence in popularity when her song “Gloria” became an unofficial anthem for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues during their historic Stanley Cup victory, further cementing her place in pop culture history. Her influence continues to be felt, with her songs remaining beloved classics and her voice remembered as a symbol of the vibrant 1980s music scene.
Video
Lyrics
Gloria, you’re always on the run now
Running after somebody, you gotta get him somehow
I think you’ve got to slow down before you start to blow it
I think you’re headed for a breakdown, so be careful not to show it
You really don’t remember, was it something that he said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Gloria, don’t you think you’re fallin’?
If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?
You don’t have to answer
Leave them hangin’ on the line, oh oh oh, calling Gloria
Gloria (Gloria), I think they got your number (Gloria)
I think they got the alias (Gloria) that you’ve been living under (Gloria)
But you really don’t remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
A ha ha, a ha ha, Gloria, how’s it gonna go down?
Will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound?
Will you marry for the money, take a lover in the afternoon?
Feel your innocence slipping away, don’t believe it’s comin’ back soon
And you really don’t remember, was it something that he said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Gloria, don’t you think you’re fallin’?
If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?
You don’t have to answer
Leave them hangin’ on the line, oh-oh-oh, calling Gloria
Gloria (Gloria), I think they got your number (Gloria)
I think they got the alias (Gloria) that you’ve been living under (Gloria)
But you really don’t remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?