54•40 is an alternative rock band which formed in Tsawwassen, British Colum… Read Full Bio ↴54•40 is an alternative rock band which formed in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada in 1981. For most of their career, the band consisted of Neil Osborne (vocals), Phil Comparelli (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Brad Merritt (bass) and Matt Johnson (drums). Comparelli left the band in 2005 and was replaced by former Matthew Good Band guitarist Dave Genn. The band's best known songs include "Baby Ran", "Ocean Pearl" and "I Go Blind", the latter of which was covered by Hootie & the Blowfish. The band takes their name from the slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight," coined to express the expansionist agenda of James K. Polk's presidency, intent upon controling a contested U.S.-Canada border area.

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.

Cheer Up Peru
54-40 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I wish I knew everyone there is
I would know exactly what to do with this problem
I'd say "hey hey, let's get together all my friends
Try, try, try and finally make amends"

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru
Hello, Brazil

Hello to you

I wish I was a brand new superhero
I would chase away all this unnecessary fear-o
Fly high, waving at all my friends
Saying "bye bye, all you hard core villains"

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru
Hello, Brazil
Hello to you

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru
Hello, Brazil
Hello to you

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

I wish I was just a little bit like you
I would know exactly what to do with my life
Tango, slow-step, slow-step, quick, quick, slow
Hang, so no one could ever get my goat

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru
Hello, Brazil
Hello to you

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru
Hello, Brazil
Hello to you

Cheer up, Peru
Cheer up, Peru

Overall Meaning

The song "Cheer Up Peru" by Canadian band 54-40 is a message of hope and unity to the people of Peru. The verses express a desire to know everyone and have the power to solve problems, using a catchy "hey hey" refrain to rally friends to come together and make peace. The chorus delivers the titular message of "cheer up," accompanied by a warm greeting to Brazil. The second verse shifts into a superhero fantasy, with the singer imagining being able to chase away fear and defeat villains.

The overall tone of the song is upbeat and positive, despite acknowledging problems and hardships. The desire for friendship and connection is a recurring theme throughout the lyrics, with the singer wishing to be more like the listener ("just a little bit like you") and experiencing the joy of the tango with a sense of security in oneself ("no one could ever get my goat").

In addition to its message of hope, "Cheer Up Peru" showcases 54-40's distinctive sound, combining guitar riffs with driving drums and bass. The song's chorus is especially catchy, with a simple but memorable melody that highlights the repeated message of cheer.

Line by Line Meaning

I wish I knew everyone there is
If I knew everyone in the world, I would be able to solve this problem perfectly.

I would know exactly what to do with this problem
Knowing everyone would give me insight on the issue and I could easily solve it.

I'd say 'hey hey, let's get together all my friends
I would invite all of my friends to help solve the issue and work together.

Try, try, try and finally make amends
We would work hard together until the issue has been resolved and everyone is satisfied.

Cheer up, Peru
I want Peru to feel better and happier.

Hello, Brazil
I acknowledge and greet Brazil as well.

Hello to you
A friendly greeting to both Peru and Brazil.

I wish I was a brand new superhero
If I had superpowers, I could remove all the unnecessary fear and anxiety from the world.

I would chase away all this unnecessary fear-o
With my powers, I could rid the world of fear and anxiety.

Fly high, waving at all my friends
I would soar through the sky and wave at all of my acquaintances.

Saying 'bye bye, all you hard core villains'
I would defeat all the bad guys and put an end to their harmful actions.

I wish I was just a little bit like you
You inspire me to be a better person.

I would know exactly what to do with my life
If I could be more like you, I could figure out my passions and what I want to do with my life.

Tango, slow-step, slow-step, quick, quick, slow
Life is like a dance, with a mix of fast and slow movements, steps and turns.

Hang, so no one could ever get my goat
By being calm, cool, and collected, I can prevent anyone from getting under my skin and causing me anger or frustration.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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