The Land of Make Believe

This was the second of three UK #1 singles for the British Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz, staying at peak position for two weeks in January 1982. The song also topped the singles charts in Ireland and Netherlands.

Rock fans were surprised to learn that this seemingly child-friendly pop concoction was co-written by prog rocker poet laureate Pete Sinfield, a founding member and lyricist with King Crimson, who also penned most of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's lyrics. He recalled in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "It is 10 times more difficult to write a three minute hit song, with a veneer of integrity, than it is to write anything for King Crimson or Emerson, Lake & Palmer. But I half succeeded, for instance, The Land Of Make Believe, beneath its 'Tra la las' is a virulent anti-Thatcher song. Oh yes it is, something nasty in your garden, waiting, till it can steal your heart."

The record's final moments features a nursery rhyme penned by Sinfield. The poem was narrated by former Minipops singer Abby Kimber, who was the 11-year old daughter of an executive of RCA Records. At the time, radio stations were instructed to fade the song before the narration.