Hymn (Ultravox song)


"Hymn" is a 1982 song from Ultravox's sixth studio album Quartet. Released as the album's second single, it reached #11 on the British Top 40 singles chart and the Top 10 in Germany and Switzerland.

History

The song was written by Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie and Midge Ure and produced by George Martin. The cover art depicts certain symbols of Freemasonry, most notably the compass and the square.
Drummer Warren Cann wrote the chorus of "Hymn" and was heavily inspired by The Zones' Song "Mourning Star". Chris Cross wrote the verses with the help of Midge Ure, while Billy Currie wrote the bridge section.
Lyrically, the song describes a time of corruption, in which "all that's good will fall from grace" and "Different words have other meaning"; the protagonist expresses his worldly ambitions for "power and glory" in phrases from Bible, especially The Lord's Prayer. It was written by Midge Ure.
In line with this theme, the music video depicts a diabolical figure seducing men struggling in their fields. After signing a contract, they all achieve success, though - as hinted at by the final scenes - at a cost.

Track listing

7" version

  1. "Hymn" – 4:24
  2. "Monument" – 3:16

    12" version

  3. "Hymn" – 5:46
  4. "Monument" – 3:16
  5. "The Thin Wall " – 5:54

    Covers

The song has been covered by numerous acts including Magna Charta, Cabballero, Cosmo, German electro project Music Instructor, Supporters, The Stunned Guys, Edguy, DJ Jaxx, 4 Clubbers Gigi D'Agostino, Lunatica, Tina Cousins, Polish DJ Psychophaze, Mägo de Oz , Raz Ohara, Age Pee, Trancemission, Parasytic, , Kirlian Camera, Mägo de Oz again and Marnik & Danko