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.
Higher
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just come forward
Leave your vibe at the door
It'll help you breeze
Through the blank generation and
The moral whores
Everything and this shall pass now
Baby it's easy let the high fly
Crime rate stress case
In the wrong place
Excuse me, back down
Look to the wonders of the
Suffering crowd everything and this
Shall pass now baby it's easy
Let your hair down
Pick the beat up
Somebody once told me
Don't blame the yuppie
That you'd rather know
But I know
You don't live true jump on,
Get on sing in tune
Everything and this shall pass
Now baby it's easy let the high fly
And the low go higher and higher
Baby it's easy let your hair down
And your feet up higher and higher
Don't go runnin' like a chicken
There is a sense of freedom and letting go in the lyrics of "Higher" by 54-40. It seems to be an anthem encouraging listeners to rise above negativity and stress, and embrace the highs and lows of life. The song begins by stating "no reason for knocking, just come forward", inviting listeners to shed any reservations and join the ride. The idea of leaving your vibe at the door is an invitation to let go of any negative energy or thoughts, and instead embrace the present moment.
The song then references the "blank generation" and "moral whores", possibly criticizing societal norms and expectations that are imposed on individuals. The line "everything and this shall pass now" emphasizes the temporary nature of life and its challenges. The chorus encourages listeners to focus on the positive moments, "baby it's easy let the high fly and the low go". The lyrics also reference a "soul mate", suggesting that positive relationships and connections can help one navigate through tough times.
The verses continue with references to stress, crime, and feeling out of place. The lyrics encourage listeners to find wonder and unity in "the suffering crowd", rather than dwelling on negative aspects of life. The following line "everything and this shall pass now baby it's easy let your hair down" encourages listeners to loosen up and enjoy life's moments. The song concludes with an admonition to not run away from life's challenges.
Overall, "Higher" by 54-40 is an uplifting song that encourages listeners to rise above stress and negativity, and embrace the highs and lows of life. It is a message of hope and unity, reminding us to focus on the positive and let go of the negative.
Line by Line Meaning
No reason for knocking
There is no need for hesitation or knocking, just come straight in.
Just come forward
Move forward bravely, without fear of what lies ahead.
Leave your vibe at the door
Leave your worries and negative energy at the door when you enter, and let it go.
It'll help you breeze
By letting go of your negative energy, you will feel lighter and more carefree in life.
Through the blank generation and the moral whores
Despite the lack of direction and the presence of misguided values in society, you should keep moving forward.
Everything and this shall pass now
Everything, whether good or bad, will eventually pass, so don't hold onto it too tightly.
Baby it's easy let the high fly
It's easy to let yourself feel the highs of life, so take advantage of them and enjoy the moment.
And the low go soul mate, crime rate stress case in the wrong place
Leave behind negative energy and situations, including toxic relationships and environments where crime and stress are prevalent.
Excuse me, back down
Take a step back and reassess the situation before proceeding.
Look to the wonders of the suffering crowd everything and this shall pass now baby it's easy
Take inspiration from the resilience and perseverance of those who have struggled and overcome hardships; again, don't hold onto negative experiences too tightly.
Let your hair down, pick the beat up
Relax and get into a good mood by enjoying music and letting yourself feel the rhythm.
Somebody once told me don't blame the yuppie
Just because someone seems to have everything going for them doesn't mean they are the root of your problems. Don't blame them for your own issues.
That you'd rather know but I know
You may want a certain answer, but I have the insight and knowledge to give you the truth.
You don't live true jump on, get on sing in tune
Don't hold back in life, and be fully expressive and in-tune with your passions and talents.
Everything and this shall pass now baby it's easy
Again, don't hold onto negative experiences too tightly, and enjoy the positives while they last.
Let the high fly and the low go higher and higher
Let yourself fully experience the highs of life, and don't be dragged down by the lows.
Baby it's easy let your hair down and your feet up higher and higher
Relax and let yourself be carefree, feeling a sense of lightness and even elation.
Don't go runnin' like a chicken
Don't be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there, rather than being timid like a chicken.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind