“Caravan of Love” is a well-known song by The Housemartins, released in November 1986. It is a cover of a gospel-influenced track originally written and recorded by Isley-Jasper-Isley, a spin-off group from the Isley Brothers, in 1985. The Housemartins’ version became a significant hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1986, making it their most successful single.
“Caravan of Love” is a song about unity, peace, and coming together in harmony. The lyrics carry a message of love, hope, and spiritual awakening, calling for people to join the “caravan of love”—a metaphor for solidarity and a collective movement towards peace and understanding. The song’s gospel roots are evident in its uplifting message and soulful delivery, which make it both a plea for togetherness and a spiritual anthem. The Housemartins’ version of “Caravan of Love” is notable for its a cappella arrangement, which was a departure from the band’s usual indie pop and jangle-pop sound. The group stripped the song of its original instrumentation, instead relying solely on vocal harmonies to deliver the melody and rhythm. Lead vocalist Paul Heaton sings the verses with emotion and clarity, while the rest of the band provides rich, layered harmonies that give the song a choral, almost gospel-like feel.
“Caravan of Love” was a major commercial success for The Housemartins. It reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1986, becoming the band’s only chart-topping single. The song was particularly popular during the holiday season, as its message of peace and harmony resonated with the festive spirit of Christmas. Although it was less commercially successful in the U.S., the song reached the top 5 in many European countries, including Germany and Spain. The song also peaked at No. 2 in New Zealand.