Chris de Burgh – “High on Emotion”:
When feeling hits like a drumbeat
Released in May 1984 as the final single from his album Man on the Line, “High on Emotion” was Chris de Burgh’s surprise adrenaline shot — a shift from the introspective balladry he was known for into full-blown, arena-sized urgency. With its pounding drums, soaring guitars, and a chorus ready to burst out of your speakers, the song proved de Burgh could match storytelling with sheer sonic force.
Breaking the Mold
Before “High on Emotion,” de Burgh was largely known for romantic and narrative-driven songs — “Don’t Pay the Ferryman”, “The Getaway”, and a growing reputation for quiet intensity. This track turned all that on its head. It opens mid-sprint and never lets up, fueled by Rupert Hine’s high-gloss production, a driving rhythm section, and synths sharp enough to cut glass.
The result is as close to a rock anthem as de Burgh ever got — and it lands with cathartic impact.
Lyrics with Lift
The lyrics don’t overthink. “I am high on emotion, high again” is the rallying cry — a distilled moment of emotional overload, whether brought on by love, connection, or sheer exhilaration. It’s not about subtlety; it’s about release. The whole song is a controlled explosion, meant to be felt more than dissected.
Chart Performance and Global Reach
Though it didn’t crack the U.S. charts, “High on Emotion” became a live-show favorite and connected strongly in Europe. It reached No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart, remaining there for five weeks, and charted notably in Germany and Ireland, helping solidify de Burgh’s growing popularity outside his native UK.
Alongside other singles from Man on the Line — including the Phil-Collins-assisted “Much More Than This” — it helped drive the album’s commercial success across Europe and beyond.
Live Power
If the studio version was a jolt, the live version was a full-body rush. “High on Emotion” became a setlist staple, often used to ignite the second half of his concerts or close the show with a final, euphoric crescendo. It’s the moment in a Chris de Burgh concert where heads stop swaying and hands start punching the air.
Why It Still Works
“High on Emotion” may not be the song most people associate with Chris de Burgh — but maybe that’s what makes it so satisfying. It’s proof that even the softest voices can roar when the moment demands it. It’s urgent, uplifting, and unashamed of its intensity.
And decades later, it still does what it set out to do: lift you up and never let you down.