"Words" is a song by F. R. David, released as a single in 1982 from his same-named debut album. The song was a huge European hit, peaking at number one in West Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, and Norway. In early 1983, it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, and it also went to number one in South Africa in late 1982, spending 25.5 weeks on the charts, eventually becoming the most successful hit on that country's year-end chart. In Australia, the single peaked at number 12 and spent 41 weeks within the top 100 in two chart runs throughout 1983 and early 1984.
In 2006, David released a French language duet version of the song with singer Winda Sylviana, entitled "Words, J'aime ces Mots," the pair also recorded an English duet version entitled "Words."
The song is on the Call Me by Your Name soundtrack.
Track listings 7-inch single "Words" – 3:31 "When the Sun Goes Down" – 3:59
12-inch maxi "Words" – 3:31 "When the Sun Goes Down" – 3:08 12-inch Maxi Single (Mexico) • 1983
Contesta El Telefono = Pick Up The Phone - 5:10 Palabras = Words - 4:59
Charts
Weekly charts Original version Chart (1982–1983)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)12Denmark (IFPI)1Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)1Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)1France (IFOP)2Iceland (Dagblaðið Vísir)5Italy (Musica e dischi)1Japan (Oricon Singles Chart)57Portugal (AFP)Portuguese Charts Archive. 2 November 1982.1South Africa (Springbok Radio)1Spain (AFYVE)1US Billboard Hot 10062
Chart (2026)PeakpositionNorway Airplay (IFPI Norge)72
"Words (Remix '97)" Chart (1997)Peakposition
"Words '99" Chart (1999)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1982)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)1France (IFOP)10Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)12Netherlands (Single Top 100)17Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)1West Germany (Media Control)47
Chart (1983)PositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)49South Africa (Springbok Radio)1West Germany (Media Control)42
See also List of European number-one hits of 1982 List of number-one hits of 1982 (Germany) List of number-one singles of 1983 (Ireland) List of number-one hits (Italy) List of number-one singles of 1982 (Spain) List of number-one singles and albums in Sweden List of number-one singles of the 1980s (Switzerland) VG-lista 1964 to 1994
References