BELINDA CARLISLE - LEAVE A LIGHT ON

by Mark Nobes, chief editor

Released as the lead single from her third studio album Runaway Horses, "Leave A Light On" became Belinda Carlisle's fourth single to reach the UK top 10, although it narrowly missed out on the top 10 in the U.S., stalling at No.11. The single entered the UK singles chart at No.28 on 1st October 1989, making it the fourth highest new entry, one place below Sonia with "Can't Forget You". Carlisle reached No.4 for one week on 22nd Oct.
"Leave A Light On" also reached No.4 in Italy, Ireland and Austria, No.5 in Australia, No.6 in Canada, No.7 in The Netherlands and No.8 in Sweden and Switzerland. The song was produced by the San Francisco based produced Rick Nowells, who also co-wrote the song alongside Ellen Shipley. The duo were also responsible for the hits "Heaven is a Place on Earth", "We Want The Same Thing" and "Circle in the Sand".

Belinda was upfront about appearing on the front sleeve (he he!)

The lead slide guitar parts are provide by ex-Beatles guitarist George Harrison. He was chosen after Rick Nowels decided that they needed somebody "cool" to play, with Carlisle suggesting Harrison. He also played on the track "Deep Deep Ocean", which was track 7 on Runaway Horses, providing bass and 12 string guitar parts.
The B-side on all versions of the single was the track "Shades of Michelangelo", which was penned by Carlisle and Charlotte Caffey. An Extended Mix of "Leave A Light On" was included on the 3 inch CD and 12" vinyl singles.
The video was directed by Peter Care, who directed numerous 80s videos for Cabaret Voltaire, ABC, Depeche Mode and Bananarama. It was filmed in and around Las Vegas and mixes black and white with colour footage of Belinda driving, walking and singing in the surrounding Nevada desert and in Vegas itself.

 

Runaway Horses Cassette album sleeve front

Runaway Horses cassette album

Lyrics for Leave A Light On

Leave A Light On at Wikipedia