Of the tracks I co-wrote for 2 Unlimited, “Where Are You Now” is by far the most popular. The track was composed and recorded after the other ones on the album “No Limits”. If I remember well, the rest of the album had been circulated to the various distributors around the world. The US label came back with the idea of doing a song with a different vibe to the other techno/dance tracks (which included future hits “No Limit” and “Tribal Dance)”.
So pretty much at the last minute, the writers Peter Bauwens and Phil Wilde came up with this haunting, sentimental melody, which I quickly dubbed an electro-weepie. The lyrics – as you can clearly hear – are about separation, and specifically the questions that arise after someone leaves. I won’t go into them too much, as you can add your own story. To be honest, it is based on someone else’s story anyway.
Where are you now?
Do you think of us?
Do you think that it was worth it?
“Where Are You Now” is a huge success on YouTube, with well over 1.5 million views across the various versions despite the fact that it was never released as a single. It has been sung by a few people, notably Mirjana who did not one version in Serbian but two! Check the latest 2022 unplugged version here. The version I link to above is the most popular. I have no idea why someone thought it would be interesting to add a video of German troops in the desert. If it bothers you, there are other versions here.
Where are you Now?
I watch the door but no one comes through
I watch the sun fading pictures of you
Nothing I do can kill the chill inside
Silver days, wishes come true
Simple thoughts, enough love for two
Sharing a dream, sharing the warmth we had
Where’s the flame that kept us in motion?
Did it burn out as well?
Where’s the flame, did you take it with you?
Where are you now?
Do you think of us?
Do you think that it was worth it?
Where are you now?
Are you alone?
Do you know that I’ve be waiting?
I’ve been waiting while the sun goes down
All the roads, you take in a life
Streets you see a thousand times
But none of them roads bring me to your door
Where’s the flame that kept us in motion?
Did it burn out as well?
Where’s the flame, could you take it with you
Where are you now?
Do you think of us?
Do you think that it was worth it?
Where are you now?
Are you alone?
Should I hope that you are waiting
Where are you now?
Do you think of us?
Do you think that it was worth it?
Where are you now?
Are you alone?
Can you see that I’ve been waiting?
I’ve been waiting while the sun goes down
If you listen
You will hear
Close your eyes
The light is near
Yeah….Yeah…Yeah…Yeheah!!!
Where’s the flame that kept you in motion?
Did it burn out as well?
Where’s the flame could you take it with you
Where are you now?
Do you think of us?
Do you think that it was worth it?
Where are you now?
Will I ever know?
Are you somewhere I can find you?
Somewhere the sun always shines
Words: Michael Leahy Music: Peter Bauwens/Phil Wilde
Published by Decos bvba
Wow…thanks for the site. I have long lost this song years ago and couldn’t find it anymore until I remembered the chorus and googled it…and then, pop up ur site. Awesome. Thank you!
Thanks! It’s my turn to be wowed.
Michael
I have very fond memories of this song as an early teenager. It took me to a meditative and emotional place . It still does and makes me feel nostagic whenever I hear it.
To be honest, me too. It was anchored in actual life, not just a made-up story.
Thanks for the message.
Michael
Old songs are really good. They are far better than new songs.
LOL. That’s a pretty bold statement!
Michael