Mr. Mister had their second consecutive number one hit with this prayer in Greek. "Kýrie, Eléison" is Greek for "Lord, have mercy." It is used as a prayer in both Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox services. The song was composed by lead singer Richard Page, keyboardist Steve George and lyricist John Lang. Page and George wrote the music while on tour with Adam Ant.
Lang has responded to an urban myth that Page wrote the song after being attacked: "Richard Page did write the music and melody, but I am the one who wrote the lyrics. I got the inspiration from singing it as a kid in an Episcopal church in Phoenix. Also, 'Kyrie' had nothing to do with Richard being assaulted, mainly because it wasn't Richard who was assaulted; it was me! But that happened three years before writing 'Kyrie,' and had nothing to do with that song."
The song matched the chart topping success of "Broken Wings" also from their album 'Welcome to the Real World'.
Kýrie, Eléison
The wind blows hard against this mountain side
Across the sea into my soul
It reaches into where I cannot hide
Setting my feet upon the road
My heart is old it holds my memories
My baby burns a gem like flame
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
Is where I find myself again
Kýrie, Eléison
Down the road that I must travel
Kýrie, Eléison
Through the darkness of the night
Kýrie, Eléison
Where I'm going will you follow
Kýrie, Eléison
On a highway in the light
When I was young I thought of growing old
Of what my life would mean to me
Would I have followed down my chosen road
Or only wished what I could be
Oh...Oh...Oh
Oh...Oh...Oh
Oh...Oh...Oh
Oh...Oh...Oh
Kýrie, Eléison
Down the road that I must travel
Kýrie, Eléison
Through the darkness of the night
Kýrie, Eléison
Where I'm going will you follow
Kýrie, Eléison
On a highway in the light
