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.
Castles
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To simplify things I just feel alright
I once was my own worst enemy
But now I learned to set myself and my enemies free
I'm gonna celebrate the castles coming down around me
The walls are at my feet
Hop on the side G and jump into the scene around me
Been to the east and out to the west
Down to the river been cursed and blessed
Now if there's trouble ahead, just face the music and dance 'cause
Distance is nothing from the first step to the last
Baby, don't asking not asking much
I just want you to show what you got
Let it go somewhat
Some people try to fool you, do all kinds of things to you
That don't represent my school which says
Put yourself in my shoes, I'll be in yours
How you like me now, how you like my chords
The lyrics to the song Castles by 54-40 speak of liberation and freedom from any encumbrances or obstacles in life. The first verse talks about not telling stories or lies, and instead just feeling alright. The next line mentions that the singer used to be their own worst enemy, but have now learned to set themselves and their enemies free. This could be interpreted as a reference to self-destructive behavior or mental blocks, and the idea that one should not give in to these tendencies. Instead, the singer celebrates the castles coming down around them, perhaps meaning that they are no longer constrained by societal norms or personal limitations.
The second verse speaks about the singer's journeys to different parts of the world and the experiences they've had there. They mention being cursed and blessed, implying that they've experienced highs and lows, but are still standing strong. The line "if there's trouble ahead, just face the music and dance" could be seen as a metaphor for facing life head-on and living in the moment. The final line of the verse speaks to the idea that the journey is more important than the destination, as distance is nothing from the first step to the last.
The chorus of the song speaks directly to the idea of liberation and freedom. The singer celebrates the walls coming down around them and the fact that they are free to move and be in the world. The line "hop on the side G and jump into the scene around me" could be interpreted as a call to action or participation in the world, rather than just being a passive observer.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't gonna tell no stories, I ain't gonna tell no lies
I won't lie or exaggerate, I just feel content with simplicity
To simplify things I just feel alright
Being content with simple things creates a sense of happiness
I once was my own worst enemy
I used to sabotage myself and hinder my own growth
But now I learned to set myself and my enemies free
I have learned to free myself from my own negativity and let go of grudges with others
I'm gonna celebrate the castles coming down around me
I will rejoice as the figurative barriers in my life come crashing down
The walls are at my feet
The obstacles that once seemed impossible to overcome are now in reach
Hop on the side G and jump into the scene around me
Embrace the moment and immerse oneself in the world around them
Been to the east and out to the west
I've journeyed far and wide
Down to the river been cursed and blessed
I've experienced the good and the bad in life
Now if there's trouble ahead, just face the music and dance 'cause
When faced with difficult times, it's best to confront them and move on with grace
Distance is nothing from the first step to the last
The journey may be long, but every step brings you closer to your goal
Baby, don't asking not asking much
I don't ask for much from you
I just want you to show what you got
Just be true to yourself and let your true colors shine
Let it go somewhat
Relax and let things happen naturally
Some people try to fool you, do all kinds of things to you
There are people who will deceive and hurt you
That don't represent my school which says
My belief system does not align with those actions
Put yourself in my shoes, I'll be in yours
Try to understand each other's perspectives
How you like me now, how you like my chords
This is who I am and I'm proud of it
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DANIEL GIGASERI, JASON CLIFTON, JIMMY JOHNSON, LOUIE JOHNSON, OLIVER GEORGE BAYSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind