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.
Come here
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(N.Osborne)
Now if you're going to
be here, come along with me
Maybe I could show you
something you've never seen
Obey the voices in a spiritual way
heavenly ways
Come here
The ghost of corruption
with a shadow of shame
Will take your money and
leave you to blame
I'm just the one who's
telling you why
Don't you know you've got
nothing to hide
Come here
I sing the song of hope,
I sing the song of love
There's mercy in my heart
from heaven above
So don't worry 'cause the Lord.
He sees if you're living with dignity
Come here
In "Come Here" 54-40 sings about the passion of a love that is burning deep down inside but can't be hidden resulting in the need and desire for that person who has become so necessary for their happiness. It's a plea from someone who's standing there, waiting for the other person to come and take them by the hand, to take control and show them the love they crave. The lyrics also touch on the struggles that come with a love that's not reciprocated but the desire for that person to keep loving them is stronger than the pain of heartbreak. The chorus repeats the plea for the other person to come and take them because they know that love is what makes the world go round and all their troubles can be laid down if they could just have the love they desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't believe that it's real
I am surprised by the intensity of my feelings for you.
The way that you make me feel
You have a profound effect on my emotional state.
The burnin' deep down inside
I feel a passionate, intense heat within me.
The love that I cannot hide
I have strong feelings of love for you that I cannot conceal.
I know it's you I need, baby
I am certain that you are the one I desire.
And it makes this world go round
My love for you is the center of my world.
I'm keepin' you in love with me, baby
I am doing everything in my power to ensure you remain in love with me.
Laying all my troubles down.
My love for you is enough to relieve me of all my worries.
Here I am, baby. come and take me.
I am ready and willing for you to accept my love and be with me.
Take me by the hand.
I am asking you to lead me in this relationship.
Ooh, show me. here I am baby
I want you to demonstrate your love for me and accept me as your partner.
It always ends up this way
Our relationship often ends in me pleading for your love.
Me beggin' you every day
I am constantly asking for your love and affection.
A love that I cannot ask
My love for you is so great that I cannot put it into words.
You broke my heart in two halves
You have hurt me deeply and shattered my heart.
Here I am, baby. won't you come and take me?
I am still waiting for you to accept me as your partner.
Ooh, squeeze me. here I am, baby
I want you to physically show me your love and accept me as your partner.
Oh, here I am, baby. come and take me
I am pleading with you to accept my love and choose me as your partner.
Ooh show me, show me what you can
I want you to prove your love for me.
Here I am baby. oh, won't you take me,
I am still hoping that you will accept my love and choose me as your partner.
Take me by the hand. take me by the hand.
I am still asking you to lead me in this relationship.
Ooh show me, show me what you can
I want you to show me that you are willing to accept and love me.
Here I am, baby. won't you take me?
I hope that you will accept me as your partner and choose to love me.
Take me by the hand. take me while you can.
I am asking you to take my hand and not let this opportunity to love me pass by.
Here I am, baby.
I am here and ready for you to accept my love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brad Merritt, D Neudorf, Neil Osborne, Phil Comparelli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind