Pulling Punches

"Pulling Punches" is a song by the English singer-songwriter David Sylvian. It was released on 22 October 1984 as the third single from his debut solo studio album Brilliant Trees. The single peaked at No. 56 on the UK Single Charts.^[2]

"Pulling Punches"
Single by David Sylvian
from the album Brilliant Trees
B-side	"Backwaters" (Remix)
Released	22 October 1984 (1984-10-22)[1]
Recorded	1983–1984
Studio	London Berlin
Genre	Art rock
Length	5:02
Label	Virgin
Songwriter(s)	David Sylvian
Producer(s)	Steve Nye David Sylvian
David Sylvian singles chronology
"The Ink in the Well" (1984) "Pulling Punches" (1984) "Words With the Shaman" (1985)
Music video
"Pulling Punches" on YouTube

Critical reception

In Sylvian's 2012 biography by Martin Power, the song was described as "a jarring, and at times barbed funk work-out".^[3]

Track listings

7"

1. "Pulling Punches" – 3:02
2. "Backwaters" – 4:49

12"

1. "Pulling Punches" – 5:01
2. "Backwaters" – 4:49

Chart positions

Chart (1984)	Peak position
UK Singles (OCC)[4]	56