“Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds
The title of this track depicts the exact sentiment of the singer which is to ensure that his friend/significant other does not do away with their relationship once they are apart.
Apparently, both parties may be drifting apart because of distance or more likely the fame and stardom the singer has been exposed to. In a bid to maintain and strengthen his friendship, he asks this person to open up and share all their doubts and troubles so they can solve them together.
The singer, in the second verse explains that he will not hurt or offend this person, but do his best to rekindle their relationship. His uncertainty about his partner’s state of heart is clearly captured in the way he asks several questions and emphasizes on telling this person not to forget about him.
Summary
Don’t You Forget About Me reflects on the writers’ plea for his addressee to always keep them in mind and not erase the memories or friendship they had built.
Facts about “Don’t You Forget About Me”
Scottish music band, Simple Minds, released “Don’t You Forget About Me” in February 1985 in the United States. It was nonetheless released in the United Kingdom two months later.
The song was written by Steve Schiff alongside Keith Forsey, who also worked as the producer. It was one of the songs featured in the movie dubbed “The Breakfast Club”.
In the U.S. the song managed to peak at the summit of the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped some charts in the country including the US Mainstream Rock, and US Cash Box Top 100. Also, the song gained fame abroad. It broke into the top ten on the UK Singles Chart, and claimed the top spot in countries like Netherlands, and Canada.
In 2018, Jim Kerr, lead singer of the group, said they were reluctant to work on the song since it wasn’t written by them. He added that they were unsure how the song would perform in the country which gave them another reason to reject the song. However, Kerr explained that they were advised by his wife, Chrissie Hynde, and reps from A&M Records to give it a try.
Sometimes it’s about a man who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her, when he has been the whole time. Sometimes it’s about a woman who doesn’t think she’s good enough for him, when she has been the whole time. And yes, he’s smart. And yes, she’s smart. And no, he’s kinda foolish and dumb. And no, she’s kinda foolish and dumb. And sometimes, there is no distance except that which the mind imagines, because the heart keeps us close unconditionally.