The group formed in 1981 as a trio consisting of Brad Merritt (bass), Ian Franey(drums), and Neil Osborne (vocals). In 1983, Phil Comparelli was added on guitar and vocals, and Franey was replaced by Darryl Neudorf. Matt Johnson replaced Neudorf on drums by 1986. The band announced in March of 2005 that Comparelli had officially passed on guitar duties to Dave Genn, formerly of Matthew Good Band.
The band's self-titled second album, released in 1986, began to attract attention from radio and record buyers across Canada, with the single "Baby Ran" gaining significant radio airplay. The band's third album, Show Me, became their commercial breakthrough in Canada, with the hits "One Gun" and "One Day in Your Life".
Although the band was popular on college radio in the United States, they never had a commercial breakthrough -- 1992's Dear Dear was their first album not to have a U.S. release. Ironically, though, it was their best-selling album in Canada, leading to a new U.S. contract for the follow up, Smilin' Buddha Cabaret, which had a significant hit in "Ocean Pearl".
The band's song I Go Blind was covered in the mid-1990s by American band Hootie & the Blowfish.
The band's most recent album is 2008's Northern Soul released September 30th,2008 and they wrapped up their tour of Canada at the end of November 2008.
Big You Up
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do a buck fifty on the open road it's a taste of total vice
Big you up, oh yeah it has you in the game
Big you up, oh yeah buddy you're not safe
She'll big you up and pull you down
I know I know it's on with the show
Cause you paid for the pleasure
Lips begin to talk, speech created thought
And the thought, thought it just got better
Big you up, oh yeah master the moment's need
Big you up, oh yeah what does your body need
She'll big you up and pull you down
And if you go the distance baby
Make sure your real self correct
And if you hide away, no need to explain
Your time away, buddy you're not safe
Okay okay you wandered like a stray through the horror and it's beauty divine
The charm dissolves and the holy vision falls and the flow won't floss your mind
Big you up oh yeah you're wanted in the game
Big you up oh yeah you wanted to again
She'll big you up and pull you down
In "Big You Up", the Canadian rock band 54-40 is giving us a commentary on the ways in which society (or people in power) can elevate and then tear down an individual. The opening line of "Hello, hello is anybody home, big you up real nice" implies a sort of vacancy - someone who is waiting for someone else to step in and validate their worth. The song then goes on to describe the ways in which people can be built up and then knocked down, not only by other people but also by their own desires and vices. The line "Do a buck fifty on the open road it's a taste of total vice" speaks to this idea - the adrenaline rush of driving recklessly could be seen as a way of trying to feel something, anything, when the world seems to be against us.
Throughout the song, the phrase "big you up" is used as both a form of encouragement and as a warning. It's almost like the band is saying "Yeah, go ahead and strive for greatness, but be careful what you wish for." The line "She'll big you up and pull you down" could refer to a specific person, or to the collective desires of society. In the end, the song seems to suggest that it's better to stay true to oneself ("make sure your real self correct") rather than trying to fit into someone else's idea of success.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, hello is anybody home big you up real nice
Greeting, is there anyone present? I will compliment you extensively.
Do a buck fifty on the open road it's a taste of total vice
Driving at high speeds on the highway is a thrilling experience.
Big you up, oh yeah it has you in the game
Providing accolades will involve you in the situation.
Big you up, oh yeah buddy you're not safe
Flattery may have negative repercussions.
She'll big you up and pull you down
Praise can be followed by a disappointment.
I know I know it's on with the show
The performance must go on nonetheless.
Cause you paid for the pleasure
The thrill is worth the cost.
Lips begin to talk, speech created thought
Speaking generates new ideas and thoughts.
And the thought, thought it just got better
The more you think and talk, the better your ideas become.
Big you up, oh yeah master the moment's need
Praise can help you tailor your actions to the present moment.
Big you up, oh yeah what does your body need
Even if you are praised, listen to what your body wants and needs.
She'll big you up and pull you down
Positive feedback can be followed by negative feedback.
And if you go the distance baby
If you persist and endure, my friend.
Make sure your real self correct
Ensure that you always act in accordance with your true self.
And if you hide away, no need to explain
If you choose to isolate yourself, you don't need to justify it to anyone else.
Your time away, buddy you're not safe
Taking time for yourself can have unforeseen consequences.
Okay okay you wandered like a stray through the horror and it's beauty divine
You have drifted aimlessly through both the terrible and the wonderful in life.
The charm dissolves and the holy vision falls and the flow won't floss your mind
The enchantment of life fades and your optimistic visions of the future are lost.
Big you up oh yeah you're wanted in the game
Being complimented may make you feel desirable and valuable.
Big you up oh yeah you wanted to again
Positive feedback can inspire you to seek it out again.
She'll big you up and pull you down
Receiving accolades can be followed by receiving criticism.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind