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.
Cry a Little
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Unbitten by desire (desire)
Explain it, I did not get it, we told each other we were dying
To be left as one (as one)
I'm gonna do you a favor
I'm gonna show you now
You're walking into the danger
Cry a little, cry a little harder
Cry a little for your man
Try a little, try a little longer
Like I know you can
That's how we dress for a ruin
And what we never did, we won't be doing
You explain it, I don't get it, we told each other we were dying
To be left as one
I'm gonna do you a favor
I'm gonna show you now
You're walking into the danger
Of bringing your man down
Cry a little, cry a little harder (cry a little)
Cry a little for your man (cry a little, cry a little)
Try a little, try a little longer (try a little, try a little)
Like I know you can
Cry a little, cry a little harder (cry a little, cry a little)
Cry a little for your man (cry a little, cry a little)
Try a little, try a little longer (try a little, try a little)
Like I know you can
Well, she's on my head
Doesn't matter yet
Enough to
Cry a Little is a song by Canadian alternative rock band 54-40 that was released in 1986. The lyrics are a reflection on a failed relationship, with the singer acknowledging that their hopes for the relationship have withered away and that they are resigned to the fact that the relationship is doomed. The imagery of "dressing up for a ruin" and the repetition of "you explain it, I don't get it" highlights the confusion and disappointment felt by the singer. The title of the song suggests that crying a little, whether for the lost relationship or for oneself, is needed in order to move on.
The chorus serves as both a plea and a challenge to the singer's lover to let go and move on. The lyrics "cry a little for your man, try a little longer like I know you can" suggest that the singer believes the crisis is an opportunity, that if one can survive it, one might find a stronger and healthier relationship. At the same time, the chorus also warns that ignoring the emotional turmoil can have disastrous consequences. Overall, the song has an underlying message of acceptance and hope, urging the singer to embrace their grief and work through it.
Line by Line Meaning
Our clever hopes have expired (expired)
Our smart and inventive dreams have come to an end.
Unbitten by desire (desire)
Without being strongly motivated or having a deep passion for something.
Explain it, I did not get it, we told each other we were dying
Let's clarify because I don't understand, we spoke to each other as if we were both desperate.
To be left as one (as one)
To be alone, singular in our existence.
I'm gonna do you a favor
I'll assist you.
I'm gonna show you now
I'll demonstrate to you.
You're walking into the danger
You're putting yourself in danger.
Of bringing your man down
You'll cause harm to your significant other.
Cry a little, cry a little harder
Allow yourself to feel emotions and cry a little more intensely.
Cry a little for your man
Shed tears for the person you love.
Try a little, try a little longer
Keep putting in effort and persistence.
Like I know you can
You have the ability and strength to do it.
That's how we dress for ruin
We are preparing ourselves for failure.
And what we never did, we won't be doing
We are not going to repeat our mistakes.
Well, she's on my head
She's always on my mind or causing me stress and worry.
Doesn't matter yet
It doesn't have a significant effect yet.
Enough to make me shake
It's causing me to feel uneasy or anxious.
And what you do
Your actions or decisions.
Doesn't make it through
They haven't fully had an impact.
Enough to make me break
They are still enough to cause me to feel overwhelmed or break down emotionally.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
musiclover909500
I love 54/40. One of Canada's best bands. :)
Boba Fettucini
Man i love this tune
Nial Naumczyk
Amazing Group, my favourite Album!
taarna73
This song still holds the record for my favorite song lyric of all time with "All we never did we won't be doing." My only complaint back in the day was that this wasn't the last song on the album. As a result, I literally ran across the room to stop the c.d. before the horribly, upbeat tune "Lies to Me" started.
Matt
This song....so dark. Love it...
Risbo Turbide
I discovered 54-40 before I found Screaming Trees and AIC... 54-40 was pretty grunge... The Buddha album is a cold, rockin one.