Secret Garden (T'Pau song)

Background

The song was the group's sixth single to enter the UK Top 40, peaking at #18 in the UK Singles Chart, and lasting in the Top 100 for a total of seven weeks. In Ireland, it fared better and entered the Top 10, peaking at #8, lasting in the chart for three weeks, whilst in Germany it peaked at #66, lasting a total of four weeks in the chart.

In 2003, a live version of the song appeared on the T'Pau album Greatest Hits Live! and its various re-issues.

In an article in This is Cornwall, published on 23 May 2013, Decker stated "The reaction from people is very touching – Bridge of Spies meant a lot to a lot of people. We had a lot of gay fans because of the song "Secret Garden", which is about being yourself. Who knew? It's an overused phrase but some of our songs are the soundtrack of people's lives."

Release

The single was issued on 7" and 12" vinyl, as well as CD, via Siren Records, and was marketed/distributed by Virgin Records. It was released in the UK and Europe, including countries France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, as well as Japan.

The 7" vinyl release featured the b-side "This Girl", which was taken from the Rage album. It was written by all six members of T'Pau, and produced by Baker. The sleeve notes stated "All tracks are from the forthcoming album "Rage" SRNLP 20."

For the 12" vinyl release, the same tracks were used as on the 7" vinyl release, but with one additional track; "You Never Notice Me (Live)". The song is a live version of an exclusive live only track, which was recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on 30 March 1988. The song was written by Decker and Rogers, and was produced by Baker. In addition, a UK only special limited edition of the 12" vinyl was also issued, which came with a poster package.

The UK only CD release featured the same tracks as the 12" vinyl release, but with a fourth exclusive track; "Crying". This was a cover of the 1961 ballad written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson that was a hit for Orbison. It was produced by Baker. The song incorrectly only listed Orbison as the sole songwriter.

In Japan, the single was issued in a three track 3" promo CD, with a snap-pack design. In the country, it was also issued on 7" vinyl but as a promotional release with "Secret Garden" on the A-side and whilst German pop singer Sandra had her 1988 single "Secret Land" on the other side, creating a double single set on one vinyl.

All releases featured artwork, featuring a photograph of the band standing on a road with graffiti behind them, whilst the back cover artwork drawing was created by Chris West.

Following the song's original release on the Rage album and as a single, it has also appeared on the 1993 compilation Heart and Soul – The Very Best of T'Pau and the 1997 compilation The Greatest Hits. Additionally, it appeared on the German compilation Essential T'Pau and the Virgin German release Hits. The song would also be the B-side to the band's 1991 Japanese single "Only a Heartbeat". It appeared on the 2007 release 80s Heroes, which featured twelve tracks each from T'Pau and English pop duo Go West. Additionally the song was added to the various artists compilation 100 Hits: 80s Chartbusters, released by Demon Music Group in 2013.

The song also appeared on the Japanese promotional only Virgin 10-track CD compilation This is... Nothin' But T'Pau, which was housed in a unique Carol Decker picture sleeve with extensive photo and info booklet.

Promotion

A music video was created which was filmed at a maze in Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye. In the video, Decker portrayed two characters; one sensible and one who causes havoc.

The band would mime the song on the UK music show Top of the Pops, the Saturday Morning UK TV show Going Live, and the UK TV Show The Late Late Breakfast Show.

In Ireland, the band performed the song live on the Irish TV show 'The Late Late Show' with Gay Bryne. The band also mimed the song on a Norwegian TV show.

Since its release, the song has been often performed live by the band and has become a regular part of their set-list.

Track listing

1. "Secret Garden" - 4:05
2. "This Girl" - 4:01

1. "Secret Garden" - 4:05
2. "This Girl" - 4:01
3. "You Never Notice Me (Live At Hammersmith Odeon 30.03.88)" - 4:03

1. "Secret Garden" - 4:05
2. "This Girl" - 4:01
3. "You Never Notice Me (Live At Hammersmith Odeon 30.03.88)" - 4:03

1. "Secret Garden" - 4:05
2. "This Girl" - 4:01
3. "You Never Notice Me (Live At Hammersmith Odeon 30.03.88)" - 4:03
4. "Crying" - 3:55

Personnel

Additional personnel