The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” Lyrics Meaning

 “Video Killed the Radio Star” is a commentary on revolutionary technological changes which were transpiring within a 20-year period of the song’s release. The specific way The Buggles go about chronicling these changes is by focusing specifically on the public’s preference changing from radio consumption to video. And to make the story more interesting and sentimental at the same time, they are lamenting the death of “the radio star”.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for The Buggles's Video Killed the Radio Star at Lyrics.org.

There are two ways that term can be interpreted. On one hand it can be said that they are talking about a specific individual(s), as in a “radio star” or someone who was at the pinnacle of the radio industry during its heyday. Also it can be read as being synonymous with the radio industry in general, which as this song relays through its various metaphors took a massive blow at the hands of the development of video, especially in terms of the rise of television. In other words, television did to radio what the internet eventually did to television.

So in retrospect, perhaps the word ‘kill’ can be deemed as a bit strong when describing the transition of the public’s preference from radio to television. However, that is just a metaphor, and there is a specific point The Buggles are putting forth amidst it all. 

Inspiration behind “Video Killed the Radio Star”

This song was inspired by a 1960 short story entitled “The Sound-Sweep” penned by the late British writer J.G. Ballard. This is a science-fiction piece about “a world where audible music is superseded by developments in new technology”. That is to say The Buggles likely feel that the music industry was suffering in some regard due to the development of television. One way in particular, as pointed out through this track, is the “radio star(s)” of days past no longer being viable. 

However more than anything this song emits a a strong sense of nostalgia, as in The Buggles simply missing the experience of listening to the radio before it was dominated by video.

Lyrics of "Video Killed the Radio Star"

Music Video for “Video Killed the Radio Star”

Fittingly, “Video Killed the Radio Star” made history as the first video ever aired on MTV.  This occurred one minute after midnight on the station’s first day of operation. This groundbreaking event took place on 1 August 1981.

And accordingly it was also one of the very-first songs whose exposure on MTV noticeably boosted its sales in the United States.

Film director Russell Mulcahy handled the directing of this iconic music video. Throughout his career, Mulcahy is known for directing the music videos of countless classic hits. For example, he directed the official clip for Kim Carnes’ 1981 hit “Bette Davis Eyes“.

Did The Buggles write “Video Killed the Radio Star”?

Yes. This classic was written as far back as in 1978 by the following songwriters:

  • Geoff Downes (The Buggles)
  • Bruce Woolley
  • Trevor Horn (The Buggles)

In addition to co-writing this classic, Trevor Horn also served as its producer.

The Buggles didn’t release this song first

Being one of its writers, singer Bruce Woolley took the initiative to record and release the song first. He released this classic with his band, The Camera Club, as part of their 1979 album English Garden.  

Then on 7 September 1979 Geoff Downs and Trevor Horn, known collectively as The Buggles, released their own version. This was the lead single off of their debut album titled The Age of Plastic. The Buggles’ version of “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the version that went on to become a hit.

Demo of “Video Killed the Radio Star” gave the Buggles a major record deal

 An earlier demo version of this song featured Trevor Horn’s girlfriend at the time, Tina Charles, who was also a professional singer. That demo helped get the Buggles (which then also consisted of Bruce Woolley) singed to Island Records.

2nd Inspiration behind this classic

Trevor Horn noted that another influence on this song, besides the aforementioned J. G. Ballard story “The Sound-Sweep” (1960), was the trend-setting German band Kraftwerk.

A global hit

“Video Killed the Music Star” was a massive international success, topping The Buggles’ native UK Singles Chart as well as music charts in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • France
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • France

 Moreover in Australia it was able to hold onto the record of top-selling song for 27 years.  The track also managed to break the top 10 in Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa.

Additionally, it made an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 40.

Who sings the background vocals on “Video Killed the Radio Star”?

The female singers who provide backup vocals to “Video Killed the Music Star” are singers Debi Doss alongside Linda Jardim. Both Debi and Linda joined the Buggles to perform this song live in 2004 (the video above). For those who may not be aware, Linda passed away in 2015.

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