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.
Inside the Horn
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of a land that was paradise
Through a desert ocean wide
Nothing growing 'cept the dying
They say there's famine still inside the horn
Inside my head I see a lady
Completely numb from the shock of war
Wondering when if it's raining
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you home
They say with love comes a bolder force
Could make a life more worth saving
I could take her out and set her free
With her eyes in play she beckons me
You take my place
I'll take yours
Falling
Falling
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you home
Took a look which way the wind blows
Gotta get it right
If there's rain in heaven I'm feelin' tight
Been around here for a year or more
I don't really know
Let her go once and you're way out there
You take my place
I'll take yours
Falling
Falling
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you
Gotta get you home
The lyrics of 54-40's song Inside the Horn depicts the devastating effects of war and famine on a once beautiful land. The first few lines talk about the sacrifice of the land that was once a paradise, now fallen into famine and a barren desert. The lyrics highlight the bleak picture of the environment and the state of the people who are struggling to survive in such a condition. The mention of the horn refers to Ethiopia, which has faced many wars and famines due to climate change and political instabilities.
Further, the song talks about a beautiful lady who is numb from the traumatic events of war, and the singer feels the urge to rescue her and take her home. The lyrics showcase the power of love and how it can give strength to individuals to fight against the adversities of life. The lines "They say with love comes a bolder force/Could make a life more worth saving" showcases how love can be a driving force to overcome the obstacles and help one survive.
In essence, 54-40's song Inside the Horn is a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of war and famine on people's lives. It also shows the power of love and how it can provide hope and strength to people struggling to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Witness all to the sacrifice
Observing the consequences of a destructive decision
Of a land that was paradise
The destruction of a once-beautiful place
Through a desert ocean wide
Navigating through a metaphorical desert, lacking in life
Nothing growing 'cept the dying
A barren place with only death and decay
They say there's famine still inside the horn
There is still suffering and starvation in the region
Inside my head I see a lady
A vision or memory of a woman
Completely numb from the shock of war
Traumatized by the horrors of combat
Wondering when if it's raining
Uncertain about future events
Gotta get you
Desire to rescue or save someone
They say with love comes a bolder force
Love can inspire bravery and strength
Could make a life more worth saving
Love can make life more valuable and worth preserving
I could take her out and set her free
Possibly offering help to escape a bad situation
With her eyes in play she beckons me
Using nonverbal communication to request assistance
You take my place
Exchanging roles with someone
I'll take yours
Offering to assume someone else's burden
Falling
Moving downward or experiencing a decline
Took a look which way the wind blows
Considering all possible outcomes
If there's rain in heaven I'm feelin' tight
Feeling anxious or uneasy about something uncertain
Been around here for a year or more
Having been in a place for an extended period of time
I don't really know
Unclear or unsure of something
Let her go once and you're way out there
Abandoning someone may have severe consequences
Gotta get you home
Need to bring someone to safety or familiar surroundings
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.