For many people of my generation, the 1980s were synonymous with the term “Brat Pack“. Our teenage years were defined by such John Hughes classics like “The Breakfast Club“, “Sixteen Candles“, and “Pretty in Pink“. Members of the Brat Pack were our cultural icons, from Andrew McCarthy to Ally Sheedy, from Rob Lowe to Jon Cryer, we emulated their styles and adopted their vocabulary, we identified with their trials and tribulations, and cheered when Molly Ringwald got the guy.
In addition to the angst-ridden movies themselves, these screen gems produced a myriad of classic songs, including hits from the Psychedelic Furs, OMD, Modern English, and so on. Without a doubt though, the song that most symbolizes the Brat Pack genre of movies would have to be “Don’t you Forget about Me”, by Scottish rock band Simple Minds – the theme song from “The Breakfast Club”. Just hearing it takes me back to the first time I saw that movie. If I remember correctly, it was rated “R”, which means restricted to those age 17 and over, and we wondered whether the theater would allow us entry, as we were mix of American and foreign exchange students – all underage. So long ago. I believe that move theater isn’t even there anymore, which is a shame, given how many memories it holds.
Anyway, in the spirit of the Brat Pack, before we get to today’s video, pop on over to the Brat Pack site and find out which Brat Packer you are. As you can see below, I’m Samantha…
Take the Which Character Am I? Quiz
Don’t You Forget About Me
Simple Minds
Won’t you come see about me
I’ll be alone, dancing — you know it Baby
Tell me your troubles and doubts
Giving me everything inside and out
Love’s strange — so real in the dark
Think of the tender things
That we were working on
Slow change may pull us apart
When the light gets into your heart, Baby
Don’t you forget about me
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t you forget about me
Will you stand above me
Look my way, never love me
Rain keeps falling
Rain keeps falling
Down, down, down
Will you recognize me
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling
Rain keeps falling
Down, down, down
Don’t you try and pretend
It’s my beginning
We’ll win in the end
I won’t harm you
Or touch your defenses
Vanity, insecurity
Don’t you forget about me
I’ll be alone, dancing — you know it, Baby
Going to take you apart
I’ll put us back together at heart, Baby
Don’t you forget about me
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t you forget about me
As you walk on by
Will you call my name
As you walk on by
Will you call my name
When you walk away
Oh, will you walk away
Will walk away
Oh, call my name
Will you call my name
excellent!!! Floods of memories. I was in tenth grade. Winter break, drove to crossgates with Fiona, Kevin, and Tom in a car refered to as “Monster”… :-). Smile just thinking about it. How did I get in???? I was only 15!!
I was in 9th grade (which we called 3rd form). The movie was rated M in Australia (which meant ‘for mature aged audiences only’ but was actually a 16+ rating). I was only 14 but I vividly remember seeing it in the cinema. We must have not been id’d or something.
Anyway, FWIW, I also came out as a Samantha, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t back then. I mean, I had to wait a lot longer than her to get the cute guy … 🙂 LOL
Arghh yes, a great number. I was quite a fan back then. I think this was off the Once Upon a Time album (can’t remember), a great album that I listened to again and again and eventually wore out I think.
There’s quite a difference in their stuff through the years. They did an album in the late seventies, or early eighties called Cacophony. And that is just about what it was, bloody awful. Their later stuff was a bit too much U2 orientated.
I remember the film but I’m one of the few people who still hasn’t seen it.
@life out east:
Never seen it??? May I be so bold as to ask how old you were in 1985 when it came out?
You weren’t in the states, though, were you? It is a very US thing…
sorry, never saw the movie (seems like I got a lot to catch up to), but I have an excuse – was only 13 back then.
Liza, regarding the char quiz, it is needless to say what I am 🙂
Oh yeah! That really takes me back. I think that was the first R-rated movie I ever saw in a theater. Just thinking about it makes me want to “snow” on a picture!
One of my all-time faves- great choice!!
NRG:
In 1985 I was the grand old age of 13. I think most people I know have seen it I’ve just never got around to it. There’s still time I guess, better late than never. Is it worth hunting down?