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.
Faithful
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every day's judgement day and I'm living long
Straight is the gate to the little house
My name is Faithful and I see my house
Not far from the town what's been going down
We're always hearing all the news
You got to find yourself if you run alone
Won't somebody save me from this world
Oh I miss my babies and my girl
With the morning sun I hit the road
On to the valley where I see my shadow
I have to tell him and I have to say
Brother you have won but that is just for today
Inside the gate I'll get my things
This is the moment when every bell will ring
You may live or you may lose
It comes on either side when you got to choose
Happens when I'm praying I get high
She's the inner flame and desire
And everything seems okay
But that's a judgement call just for today
Even though tomorrow and the past can be lived
My name is Faithful and I'm over the bridge
Feel the way she heals me every time
Happens when I'm praying on at night
In "Faithful," 54-40 highlights the importance of faith and perseverance to overcome challenges in life. The song suggests that with every prayer, an individual can get by as every day is a judgement day. The lyrics urge listeners to stay straight and find their true selves, regardless of the dangers and frights in the world. The song also touches on the missing love when one is away from their family.
The songwriter portrays a sense of urgency and strength in moving on from a troubled town towards a better life. The lyrics state that the listener has to make a choice to live or to lose, and that it comes on either side. There is also a message about the notion of "living in the moment," as everything seems okay, but the judgement call is only for that particular day.
The song concludes with the repetition of the phrase "happens when I'm praying," which could suggest that prayer aids in maintaining a level head even in the most challenging situations. The singer's name is Faithful, and he has crossed the bridge towards a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
With every prayer I can get by
I find solace in prayer and it is what keeps me going every day.
Every day's judgement day and I'm living long
I treat every day as if it's my last and live it to the fullest.
Straight is the gate to the little house
The path to my home is clear and narrow.
My name is Faithful and I see my house
I am committed to my beliefs and will stand by them.
Not far from the town what's been going down
I am aware of what's happening around me, even if I am not physically present.
We're always hearing all the news
We are often exposed to information, but need to filter what is important to us.
You got to find yourself if you run alone
If you choose to walk your own path, you must be confident in who you are.
'Cause there's a danger and there's a fright
Taking risks can be scary, but they also lead to growth and rewards.
Won't somebody save me from this world
Sometimes the world can be overwhelming and we need help to navigate through it.
Oh I miss my babies and my girl
I long for the love and companionship of my family.
With the morning sun I hit the road
I begin my journey at the start of every new day.
On to the valley where I see my shadow
I reflect on my actions and choices, and how they shape who I am.
I have to tell him and I have to say
Sometimes we must say things that are tough but necessary.
Brother you have won but that is just for today
You may have succeeded for now, but it doesn't guarantee future triumphs.
Inside the gate I'll get my things
When I reach my destination, I will gather my belongings and prepare for what's next.
This is the moment when every bell will ring
This is the culmination of my journey and a time for celebration.
You may live or you may lose
Life is unpredictable and can go either way.
It comes on either side when you got to choose
Important decisions have consequences, whether positive or negative.
Happens when I'm praying I get high
Prayer can give me a sense of peace and euphoria.
She's the inner flame and desire
She represents my innermost passion and drive which fuels my actions.
And everything seems okay
Sometimes everything falls into place, and we feel content and satisfied with our lives.
But that's a judgement call just for today
This feeling is only temporary and might change tomorrow.
Even though tomorrow and the past can be lived
Although we cannot change the past or predict the future, we can still learn from them.
My name is Faithful and I'm over the bridge
I am committed to my beliefs and have crossed over to a new chapter in my life.
Feel the way she heals me every time
The love of someone special can give us hope and heal our wounds.
Happens when I'm praying on at night
Prayer gives me comfort, even during my darkest moments.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
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