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.
Blue Plate Special
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What there is waiting, we don't ask
After days of feasting, then a fast
Everything changes, everything lasts forever
And all that we want
Is a light that is made of Being awake
The one I love our love is everywhere
Everywhere our love is always here
And we'll just have a blue plate special
Blue plate special
To us and this day
Tomorow we'll be dying anyway
So dance if you're broken
Dance if you're free
Dance if you're broken
You can dance with me all night
Then we'll just have a blue plate special
Blue plate special
Blue plate special
Those imitations are invitations to give yourself away
So dance if you're broken
Dance if you're free
Dance if you're broken
You can dance with me all night
Blue plate special
Blue plate special
The song Blue Plate Special by 54-40 is a reflection on the universal human desire for connection and meaning. The lyrics suggest that life is fleeting and unpredictable, but that we can always connect with others and find joy in the moment. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the words "See a way. Down the path / What there is waiting, we don't ask." This suggests that life is a journey, and that we must embrace what comes our way without hesitation or fear.
The second verse highlights the impermanence of life, with the lines "After days of feasting, then a fast / Everything changes, everything lasts forever." This juxtaposition suggests that even the greatest joys in life are fleeting, and that we should cherish every moment. The chorus of the song is an invitation to dance, with the words "Dance if you're broken / Dance if you're free." This reinforces the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed, even during difficult times.
The final verse of the song returns to the idea that life is unpredictable, and that we must embrace what comes our way. The lines "Those imitations are invitations to give yourself away / So dance if you're broken / Dance if you're free" suggest that we should be ourselves and connect with others, even if it means taking risks. The song ends with the reassuring words "Blue plate special," which suggest that life is a simple pleasure that can be enjoyed by all.
Line by Line Meaning
See a way. Down the path
We can see a way forward, although we are not sure where it will lead us.
What there is waiting, we don't ask
We are not asking about what comes next, we are taking each step as it comes.
After days of feasting, then a fast
We have enjoyed abundance, but we know that it won't last forever.
Everything changes, everything lasts forever
The only constant is change, but the impact of those changes can linger for a long time.
And all that we want
We desire something simple and pure.
Is a light that is made of Being awake
We want to be fully present and aware, to see things as they truly are.
The one I love our love is everywhere
Love is ubiquitous and enduring.
Everywhere our love is always here
Love is always present and accessible.
And we'll just have a blue plate special
We'll take what comes our way and be content with it.
To us and this day
We appreciate the moment and what it brings.
Tomorow we'll be dying anyway
We know that tomorrow isn't promised, so we need to make the most of today.
So dance if you're broken
If you are hurting, still find a way to celebrate and be joyful.
Dance if you're free
If you are unfettered and unburdened, revel in it and express yourself fully.
Those imitations are invitations to give yourself away
Copying someone else's behavior is an invitation to lose your unique identity and give in to external pressures.
You can dance with me all night
We are here for each other, to share in the joys and sorrows of life.
Blue plate special
Embrace the simple and unexpected, finding pleasure in life's little moments.
Blue plate special
Repeat of the previous line, emphasizing the importance of appreciating what we have.
Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.