"History Never Repeats" is a single written by Neil Finn and recorded by Split Enz. It was released in March 1981 as the second single from their seventh studio album, Waiata. The song remains one of their most popular. It was also used as the title of two compilation albums by the band.
The guitar bridge in this song, played by Neil Finn, was originally featured in an old Phil Judd song, "Bergen Aan Zee". The band only played the latter song live.
The video was the 12th to be played by MTV upon its launch in 1981. In 2001 the song was voted by members of APRA as the 57th-best New Zealand song of the 20th century.
Track listings
Australasian release
"History Never Repeats" – 3:00
"Holy Smoke"
International release
Released in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal with different artwork and track listings.
UK/Portugal track listing
"History Never Repeats" – 3:00
"Shark Attack (Live)" "What's The Matter With You (Live)"
Netherlands/Spain track listing
"History Never Repeats" – 3:00
"What's the Matter with You (Live)"