“Separate Lives” is a duet written by Stephen Bishop, and performed by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin, released in September 1985. The song was written by musician Stephen Bishop and featured in the soundtrack of the film White Nights, musical drama film directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Jerzy Skolimowski, Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini. It became a major hit and is one of the most well-known duets of the 1980s.
“Separate Lives” is a soft rock ballad with a gentle, piano-driven melody. The song features a slow tempo, lush orchestration, and heartfelt vocal performances by both Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin. Collins’ emotive voice pairs beautifully with Martin’s soaring vocals, creating a poignant and dramatic atmosphere. The song’s production is simple yet effective, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage.
The lyrics of “Separate Lives” are about a couple coming to terms with the end of their relationship. The song explores the pain and sadness of parting ways, with both singers expressing feelings of regret, emotional distance, and the difficulty of moving on.
“Separate Lives” was a significant commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming Collins’ fourth No. 1 solo single. The song also reached the top of the singles charts in Canada and Ireland.
The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1986. It lost to Lionel Richie’s song “Say You, Say Me” from the same film.
“Separate Lives” remains a beloved ballad and one of the most iconic duets of the 1980s. The emotional depth of the lyrics and the powerful vocal performances by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin have made it a timeless classic, particularly for fans of soft rock and love songs. The track has been included in numerous compilations and continues to be played on adult contemporary and soft rock radio stations.