Cry Wolf (A-ha song)

"Cry Wolf" is a song by Norwegian band A-ha, released as the second single from their second studio album, Scoundrel Days (1986).

"Cry Wolf"
Single by A-ha
from the album Scoundrel Days
B-side	"Maybe, Maybe"
Released	24 November 1986[1]
Recorded	1986
Genre	Pop rock synth-pop
Length	4:05
Label	Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s)	Pål Waaktaar Magne Furuholmen
Producer(s)	Alan Tarney
A-ha singles chronology
"I've Been Losing You" (1986) "Cry Wolf" (1986) "Manhattan Skyline" (1987)

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.^[2]

Music video

The video was directed by Steve Barron at the Chateau de Couches in Couches^[3], 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)

1. "Cry Wolf" (album version) – 4:05
2. "Maybe, Maybe" – 2:34

• UK 12-inch single (Warner Bros. / W 8500T)

1. "Cry Wolf" (extended version) – 8:12
2. "Cry Wolf" (album version) – 4:05
3. "Maybe, Maybe" – 2:34

Charts

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for "Cry Wolf" Chart (1986–1987) Peak position Australia (Kent Music Report)[4] 45 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[5] 15 Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[6] 10 France (SNEP)[7] 35 Ireland (IRMA)[8] 4 Italy (Musica e dischi)[9] 13 Italy Airplay (Music & Media)[10] 6 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[11] 16 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[12] 12 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[13] 10 Norway (VG-lista)[14] 2 Quebec (ADISQ)[15] 38 South Africa (Springbok Radio)[16] 13 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[17] 27 UK Singles (OCC)[18] 5 US Billboard Hot 100[19] 50 US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[20] 14 US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[21] 30 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles[22] 51 West Germany (GfK)[23] 20

Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Cry Wolf" Chart (1987) Position Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[24] 93

Certifications

Certifications for "Cry Wolf"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[2]	Silver	250,000^
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.