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.
IT'S ALRIGHT
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't mind what I don't know
But even so it's a beautiful day
A beautiful day for making love
She can see what everyone else can see
But she wants what no one's thought
I don't know what I can say
It's alright, baby it's alright
There's a girl who wants her place in the sun
But cannot bare to leave her shadow
Yellow eyes can tell no lies
And the dress she wears is blue
In "It's Alright," 54-40 addresses the ups and downs of life and speaks to the power of optimism and hope. The opening lines, "I've seen better days and I'll live through these, I don't mind what I don't know," suggest that the singer has had some struggles in life but is resilient and not afraid of the unknown. This attitude is echoed later in the song when he insists that "even so it's a beautiful day" and that it is "alright." The line "A beautiful day for making love" speaks to the idea that even in the midst of hard times, love and connection are still possible.
The perspective of the second verse shifts to a woman who is seeking something different than what is expected of her. She is aware of societal norms but wants to push beyond them, saying "she can see what everyone else can see, but she wants what no one's thought." The singer recognizes that he doesn't have all the answers for her, admitting "I don't know what I can say, what can I say tonight." However, the chorus assures her that "it's alright," that she should keep pushing forward and following her own path.
Overall, "It's Alright" encourages listeners to stay hopeful, to embrace uncertainty, and to believe in the possibility of love and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen better days and I'll live through these
I have experienced happier times in the past but I am confident I can overcome my current situation
I don't mind what I don't know
I am comfortable with uncertainty and the unknown
But even so it's a beautiful day
Regardless of the challenges I face, the world around me is still full of beauty and wonder
A beautiful day for making love
The present moment is perfect for expressing love and affection for someone
She can see what everyone else can see
She is aware of the same information that others are
But she wants what no one's thought
Despite having common knowledge, she desires an unconventional outcome
I don't know what I can say
I am unsure of what to communicate
What can I say tonight
What words should I share in this evening
It's alright, baby it's alright
Everything is okay, don't worry about it
There's a girl who wants her place in the sun
A woman desires her own moment of fame or recognition
But cannot bare to leave her shadow
However, she is afraid of leaving her comfort zone or normal routine
Yellow eyes can tell no lies
The truth is revealed through the eyes, no matter how subtle or hidden it may be
And the dress she wears is blue
The woman's clothing or appearance is irrelevant to the message being conveyed
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Neil Osborne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind