"Cry Wolf" is a song by Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha, released as the second single from their second studio album, Scoundrel Days (1986). Cashbox called the song a "sprightly dance tune with a commercial sheen".
Background The lyrics "Night I left the city I dreamt of a Wolf..." are credited to Lauren Savoy, who was later married to the band's guitarist Pål Waaktaar.
Commercial performance "Cry Wolf" was the most successful single from the Scoundrel Days album in the United States, where it peaked at number 14 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts and number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, though it would be the band's last entry on that chart. The single reached the top 40 in various other countries, including top-five placings in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as number two (its highest chart position) in Norway. The single was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on 1 January 1987.
Music video The video was directed by Steve Barron at the Chateau de Couches in Couches, Burgundy, France. The theme of the video was taken from the fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf which was also the inspiration for the song.
Track listings UK 7-inch single (Warner Bros. / W 8500) "Cry Wolf" (album version) – 4:05 "Maybe, Maybe" – 2:34
UK 12-inch single (Warner Bros. / W 8500T) "Cry Wolf" (extended version) – 8:12 "Cry Wolf" (album version) – 4:05 "Maybe, Maybe" – 2:34
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "Cry Wolf" Chart (1986–1987) Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report) 45 Europe (European Hot 100 Singles) 10Italy (Musica e dischi) Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "A-Ha".13Italy Airplay (Music & Media) 6Quebec (ADISQ)38 South Africa (Springbok Radio) 13 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles 51
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Cry Wolf" Chart (1987) Position Europe (European Hot 100 Singles) 93
Certifications
References