"Space Invaders" by Player One Lachlan's Note: This took a long time to track down. Clues where slim - only memories of hearing the song during a mis-spent youth kept me going. Much of (the mis-spent youth) which was spent watching others playing Space Invaders. (to play cost money, man!) Space Invaders album cover images provided by Andrew C. (6th May 2007) . . . . Album cover for Game Over Album by Player 1 Australian album cover for Space Invaders by Player [1] USA album cover for Space Invaders by Playback (Player [1]) Space Invaders - Player One: Music Video (thanks for Robert for passing on this link) At http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-9CkkoISYw The most important arcade games of the 80's At http://www.eightyeightynine.com/games/arcade.html Most people would laugh at the graphics of Space Invaders - but over 20 years ago it was revolutionary. To demonstrate the impact of this game consider the fact that it also spawned a short-lived pop group Player One, with the album Game Over, and worldwide hit with the single Space Invaders. Invaders was also hit in the early 80's by Player One (Moose's Shareware and Emulation Valley) At http://members.nbci.com/Moose_head/arcade_songs.html Free Space Invaders software for Windows and Mac At http://www.neave.com/games/invaders/ Space Invaders Shrine At http://www.spaceinvaders.de/ PacMan hints At http://jongy.tripod.com/SoundofEating.htm How to win at Pacman At http://www.hanaho.com/pacman/index.html 80's games At http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/arcade.htm Galaga At http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/galaga.htm Galaxian At http://home.tiscali.nl/breu/cottage/galaxian.htm Pheonix At http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/phoenix.htm

Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:59:39 +1100 Subject: Space Invaders Lyrics From: boodie To: lachlanc@magma.ca Hi there, I found your website with the lyrics to Space Invaders, a much loved song from my youth, I have the version of Space Invaders which goes for 5.20, it appeared on a compilation album released in Australia in the mid 90's.. The lyrics to this are different to the lyrics that you have shown, these are the lyrics; Space Invaders: 5.22 version. enjoy 8-) teddy "Space Invaders" by Player [1] (Player One) (Written by Dunlop and Brown) "Space Invaders - 5.22 version" (Long intro Music, various space invader sound effects) Through dark sunken eyes I see another pale sunrise surrounded by soldiers glued to the screens hold back the invaders their infernal machines. We fight to survive running to stay alive our bodies aching and tired there's no where to hide our covers' been blown away Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders ooooooooooh They're closing in on me dark forces cold and unseen Oh my hip pocket nerve is aching again I must go back in and fight it out to the end Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders ooooooooooh (musical interlude, more space invader sound effects) They're closing in on me dark forces cold and unseen Oh my hip pocket nerve is aching again I must go back in and fight it out the end. We fight to survive running to stay alive our bodies aching and tired there's no where to hide our covers been blown away Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders running just to stay alive Space Invaders oooh oooh ooohh hooo Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders oooh hoo hoo hoo Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders oooh hoo hoo hooo Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders (fade) Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:17:50 +1100 From: "Jason Munro" To: lachlanc@magma.ca Hi. Im not sure if you might be interested, but I have the original vinyl 7" to this track. While no way are they perfect, the recordings are very good. Also (IMHO) the "B" side "A menacing glow in the sky" is just as good as space invaders. Regards, Jason Munro ---------- Attempt by Lachlan follows to decode the lyrics, followed by corrections by Jason Munro for : A Menacing Glow In The Sky by Player [1] (Player One) Oh my What's that bright light in the sky? It's up about hundred feet high What is that light in the sky? What is that light in the sky? Well it shimmers With a menacing glow Its moving now too and fro What's that menacing glow Should we stay or should we go A menacing glow in the sky Apprehension as time goes by A menacing glow will it stay or go A menacing glow in the sky And it's moving Down to Earth in slides The covers turned red on its sides (covers could also be colour's) Alien Friend of Foe In a second or two we we'll know A menacing glow in the sky Apprehension as time goes by A menacing glow will it stay or go A menacing glow in the sky . . . A menacing glow in the sky A menacing glow in the sky A menacing glow in the sky A menacing glow in the sky A menacing glow in the sky A menacing glow in the sky "Space Invaders" by Player [1] (Player One) (Written by Dunlop and Brown) "Space Invaders" It's a dark, sunken night, [Lyrics corrected thanks to a suggestion from Michael M] [then corrected back thanks to Andrew C] I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, glued to-the screens, [Lyrics corrected thanks to a suggestions Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. from Austin Cooper and Robert C] We fight to survive, Running to stay alive Our bodies aching and tired There's nowhere to hide Our cover's been blown away Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invader hoooooo They're closing in on me Dark forces cold and unseen Oh my hip pocket nerve, is aching again [Michael M suggested this should be "Oh my hip pocket there" ] I must go back in and fight it out to the end Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invader hoooooo [musical interlude including space invaders game sound effects] Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders Runnin', runnin' to stay alive [Lyrics initial corrected thanks to a suggestion from Olivier Gravel - but recorrected by Robert La Ferte using a critique of pure reason] Space Invaders Hee hoo hoo hoo haa (???) Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders haa haa Space Invaders ???? Space Invaders boo hoo hoo haa haa ???? Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders boo hoo hoo hoo hoo Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders

Feedback Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 14:50:35 +1000 (AUS Eastern Standard Time) From: "Ash" To: lachlanc@magma.ca Subject: Space Invaders Meaning Although not the lyrics or a suggestion, I just had an idea that confirms the lyrics you have made. It's a dark, sunken night, I see another pale sunrise (This probably refers to those crazy people who stayed up all night playing) Surrounded by soldiers, glued to-the screens, (Meaning all the other space invaders players in the arcade) Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. ("Player One" is getting sick of the repeated gameplay and wants to stop but can't. The Infernal Machines are the arcade cabnets) We fight to survive, Running to stay alive Our bodies aching and tired There's nowhere to hide Our cover's been blown away (There are no more of those green base things to protect your laser, and everyone is tired from playing the game) They're closing in on me Dark forces cold and unseen (Nightime.) Oh my hip pocket nerve, is aching again I must go back in and fight it out to the end (He is starting to ache from standing up and bent over playing Invaders) Just though this would help. Feedback from Andrew C. From: Andrew C To: Lachlan Cranswick" [lc@bluehaze.com.au] Subject: SPACE INVADERS INFO Date: Sun, 6 May 2007 19:25:49 +0930 Hi again Lachlan, I checked your Space Invaders page again this arvo and I must say a huge thanks for posting my input. I am a big fan of the song (my all time fav!) and I stumbled across your excellent site yesterday. I don't know how much info you want to collect about the song but I can help if you like. I have been collecting many different releases of this song over the years, both local (Australia) and overseas. This is my collection at the moment: 'SPACE INVADERS' by PLAYER (1) 7" Single AUSTRALIAN release (1979 WEA) 'SPACE INVADERS' by PLAYER (1) 12" Maxi-Single GERMAN release (1979 WEA Germany) 'SPACE INVADERS' by PLAYBACK 12" PROMO Release AMERICAN release (1980 Ariola America) 'SPACE INVADERS' by PLAYBACK 12" Supersound Single Limited Edition AMERICAN release (1980 Ariola America) Also, the song is on the fabulous 12" Compilation Album 'FULL BOAR', released by CBS Australia & K-tel in 1979. 'SPACE INVADERS' is Track 2 on Side 1. I have only come across one release of the song on CD, 'CLASSIC RARE HITS OF THE 80s' by CEL Music Australia. 'SPACE INVADERS' by PLAYER (1) entered the Australian chart from memory at # 32 and peaked at # 3, and stayed in the charts for 23 weeks in 1980. The song was the fourth (4th) highest selling single of that year. How cool is that! I remember watching the video clip on ABC TVs 'COUNTDOWN'. However, I have no idea how well the song charted overseas but I have read somewhere that it was a hit on the US Dance charts. I have attached some pictures of various releases for you Lachlan to help in your research of rarer songs. Cheers for now, Andrew C Feedback from Anthony McG. From: Anthony McG Subject: Space invaders Date: Sun, 6 May 2007 11:03:01 +1000 Hi Lachlan, Just checked out your 'Space Invaders Page'. I have been transferring my old cassettes to the computer and had been searching for the name of the artist behind this blast for my youth - I had was ready to give up but Thanks to you the search is now complete! I was hoping to be able to add a suggestion to the ??? in the lyrics but my recording was taken from the radio ( as was the norm in the 70's/80's ) and the ending was lost with the Dj's voice over. Thanks for the reference - I'll go fish through your links for a bit more nostalgia. All the best Anthony ** Before a suggestion by Andrew C, lyrics of first verse were stated as being: (Date: Sat, 5 May 2007 12:04:33 +0930): Through dark, sunken eyes I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, glued to-the screens, Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. hi there. just adding some input into the lyrics page of the Space Invaders song. In my opinion the first line is 'It's a dark, sunken night'. However, after 27 years of listening to this tune, you have finally clarified the third and fourth lines from the first verse for me. They make sense and fit the song, and prove to me that I had got those lines wrong for a very long time. Thankyou to all who have contributed to the lyrics page. Cheers Andrew C ** Before a suggestion by Michael M, lyrics of first verse were stated as being: (Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2007 10:47:34 -0400): It's a dark sunken night, I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, glued to-the screens, Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. I found your web site this morning. Just a suggestion from someone in the States, I think the first line of the song is: Through dark, sunken eyes At least that's the way I used to sing it when it played in the clubs over here. Also I think it makes more sense, referring to people who stayed up all night playing the game and are now seeing "another pale sunrise". Michael M ** Before a suggestion by Austin Cooper, lyrics of first verse were stated as being (though who can tell which are correct??) (Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 16:40:31 -0500): It's a dark sunken night, I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, gudes(??) and screens We'll back(??) the invaders, their infernal machines ** A suggestion by Austin Cooper, lyrics of first verse were stated as being (though who can tell which are correct??) (Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 16:40:31 -0500): It's a dark sunken night, I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, boos(**) and screams(**) We'll back(??) the invaders, their infernal machines *** Before a suggestion by Robert It's a dark sunken night, I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, dudes(**) and screens(**) We'll back(??) the invaders, their infernal machines After a suggestion by Robert: It's a dark sunken night, I see another pale sunrise Surrounded by soldiers, glued to-the screens, Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 22:45:52 +0900 From: Robert C To: lachlan@melbpc.org.au Subject: Space Invaders Hi, I came across your webpage on the Space Invaders lyrics. I think the lyrics to the last two lines of the first verse go more like: Surrounded by soldiers, glued to the screens, Hold back the invaders, their infernal machines. At least this way the lyrics make a little more sense ; ) Cheers, Robert *** Before a suggestion by Olivier Gravel Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders Rabbit-her rabbit-the spacer (??????) Space Invaders Hee hoo hoo hoo haa (???) Space Invaders Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 10:29:46 -0800 (PST) From: Olivier Gravel Subject: Space invaders lyrics To: lachlan@melbpc.org.au Wow! most part of this song where phonetic sounds, now thanks to your page, I got words for these sounds. Cool! But then I got a suggestion, at the end we here "Rabbit-her rabbit-the spacer". I think it's more like; "Rabbit-her rabbit to stay alive" Rabbit-her makes sense if you think of the intensity of hitting the "fire" button, to stay alive and get that high score! Thanks again Olivier *** Before a suggestion by Olivier Gravel Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders Rabbit, [pause] rabbit to stay alive Space Invaders Hee hoo hoo hoo haa (???) Space Invaders Robert La Ferte uses a critique of pure reason From: "Robert La Ferte" To: l.m.d.cranswick@dl.ac.uk Cc: Olivier Subject: Space Invaders lyrics... Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2004 03:30:05 -0500 Hi! This is a follow-up to my friend Olivier about the lyrics to that particular song. After examining the structure of the song, we finally agreed that the part he mentioned: Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders Rabbit, [pause] rabbit to stay alive [Lyrics corrected thanks to a suggestion from Olivier Gravel] Space Invaders Was probably more like this: Space Invaders Space Invaders Space Invaders We fight to survive Space Invaders Runnin', runnin' to stay alive Space Invaders The phrase "We fight to survive" is used, and is most probably followed by the same "runnin', runnin' to stay alive" that follows it in the second verse. After you hear it with these words, you'll see (well, you'll hear!) that it fits perfectly! :-) Thanks for the memories, this is one of our favourite songs! Bob