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.
Last People On Earth
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because we don't have a plan
Last people on earth
Burried deep in the sand
And all over creation
From the land to the sky to the sea
Coming of a celebration
We'll be the last people on earth
Because we don't understand
Last people on earth
Burried deep in the sand
Last people on earth
Last people on earth
Less people on earth
Less people on earth
The song "Last People On Earth" by 54-40 is a commentary on the destructive nature of human beings and the consequences of our actions. The lyrics suggest that we are headed towards a catastrophic end and that we will ultimately be the cause of our own downfall. The first verse states that we will be the last people on earth because we don't have a plan, indicating that our lack of foresight and preparation will ultimately lead to our demise. The chorus repeats the phrase "last people on earth" several times, emphasizing the dire nature of the situation. The reference to being "buried deep in the sand" suggests that we will be forgotten and lost in the annals of history.
The second verse speaks to the destruction that humans have wrought on the natural world. The reference to "creation" invokes a biblical sense of awe and wonder, but the following line reveals that we have tarnished this beautiful world with our greed and indifference. The line "coming of a celebration for the end of a dynasty" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that our dominance over the earth will come to an end and that we will no longer be able to reign supreme.
Overall, "Last People On Earth" is a sobering reminder of the power that we hold as individuals and as a species. It's a call to action to wake up and take responsibility for our actions before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll be the last people on earth
We believe that there will come a time when we are alone on this planet
Because we don't have a plan
We have not figured out a strategy to prevent our own destruction
Last people on earth
We will exist as the final remnants of humanity
Burried deep in the sand
Our fate is sealed and we will be hidden away from future civilizations
And all over creation
Across all aspects of existence
From the land to the sky to the sea
From the surface of the ground, to the atmosphere above, and the depths below
Coming of a celebration
The eventual outcome is viewed as a cause for rejoicing
For the end of a dynasty
The fall of our civilization is seen as the closing of a historical era
We'll be the last people on earth
Our belief in being the last surviving members of humanity remains steadfast
Because we don't understand
We are unable to fully comprehend the magnitude of our own impact on the world
Last people on earth
We see ourselves as the ultimate survivors, but also as the ultimate failures
Less people on earth
As our numbers dwindle, our impact on the world will continue to diminish
Contributed by Jayce W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.