Essentially Sunnyboys wore their influences on their sleeve - The Remains, The Flamin' Groovies, The Kinks and The Beatles with a dash of Detroit muscle thrown in for good measure. They produced melodic power pop classics and were rewarded with an immediate positive response.
Between 1980 and 1984 they released their self-titled EP (1980) and 3 albums: "Sunnyboys" (1981), "Individuals" (1982) and "Get Some Fun" (1984).
However, Jeremy Oxley's battle with schizophrenia plagued the band and Sunnyboys announced their break-up in June 1984. Their farewell tour produced the album "Real Live" which was recorded over two nights in Sydney (29th and 30th June).
In 1985, the French label Closer combined The Sunnyboys' first two albums as a double set entitled "Days Are Gone" for the European market.
In late 1987, Jeremy Oxley attempted to revive Sunnyboys with a new line-up. The new band signed a deal with RCA and released an album entitled "Wildcat" (produced by ex-Sherbet keyboard player, Garth Porter). The album failed to convince old Sunnyboys fans and the band broke up again in 1990.
In July 1991, Mushroom released the compilation album "Plays The Best" and the original line-up reunited for a national tour.
Also "Shakin' - Live 1991" (1993, live cd + "Sunnyboys" EP) has been released by Phantom and "This Is Real" (2004, double-CD, Singles/Live/Rare) by Feel Presents.
The band:
Jeremy Oxley - Guitar, vocals
Peter Oxley - Bass
Richard Burgman - Guitar
Bill Bilson - Drums
For more info see the band's MySpace profile and this.
Individuals
Sunnyboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Individuals
Don't you know it now
Individuals
Individuals
Don't you know it now
We're all individuals
My approaches
Are of little concern to you
After all you
Are all different to me
And different to each other
I only wish
You all could be
I only wish
You all would see
You're individuals
Individuals
You're individuals
Individuals
When I see you
Relying on somebody else
When I see you
Finding safety in numbers
I only wish
You all could be
I only wish
You all would see
I only wish
You all could be
I only wish
You all would see
I only wish
You all could be
I only wish
You all would see
You're individuals
Individuals
Don't you know it now
We're all individuals
The song Individuals by Sunnyboys is an anthemic celebration of individualism. The repeated refrain of “Individuals don’t you know it now” serves to affirm that each person is unique and valuable, and should not conform to a group mentality. The verses highlight the differences between individuals and the need for acceptance of those differences. The lyrics suggest that it is important to recognize and appreciate our own individuality, rather than relying on others for validation.
The chorus of the song is preceded by the lead singer stating that his approaches are of little concern to others. This could be interpreted to mean that he does not care about what others think of him, and he embraces his own individuality. He then goes on to say that everyone is different from one another, and he wishes that everyone could see themselves as individuals. He encourages listeners to not rely on others for safety or validation, but to embrace their own unique qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
Don't you know it now
I want you to understand and embrace your individuality
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
Don't you know it now
I want you to understand and embrace your individuality
We're all individuals
Despite our differences, we are all unique individuals
My approaches
My actions and decisions are not relevant to you
Are of little concern to you
My behavior should not affect or bother you
After all you
Each of you
Are all different to me
Have different perspectives and experiences from mine
And different to each other
As individuals, we have unique characteristics that set us apart from one another
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all could be
That you would embrace and celebrate your individuality
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all would see
That you would acknowledge and understand your unique qualities
You're individuals
You are unique individuals with your own characteristics and qualities
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
You're individuals
You are unique individuals with your own characteristics and qualities
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
When I see you
Observing your behavior
Relying on somebody else
Depending heavily on others for support and guidance
When I see you
Observing your behavior
Finding safety in numbers
Feeling more secure and comfortable in a group or community
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all could be
That you would embrace and celebrate your individuality
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all would see
That you would acknowledge and understand your unique qualities
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all could be
That you would embrace and celebrate your individuality
I only wish
It is my hope and desire
You all would see
That you would acknowledge and understand your unique qualities
You're individuals
You are unique individuals with your own characteristics and qualities
Individuals
We are all unique individuals
Don't you know it now
Realize and embrace your individuality
We're all individuals
Despite our differences, we are all unique individuals
Writer(s): Jeremy Saxon Oxley
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.