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.
Lucky
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something's wrong with all that's underneath your green eyes
Sometimes things we feel ain't right
Shadows we keep caged in our lives
And everywhere the barrier of loneliness divides
Nothing matters much until i see your green eyes
The secret whispered everywhere comes out your green eyes
Like footprints on the sands of time
The way your body moves through mine
I can tell that what you see with-in you is dark
Don't believe that i'd rush in unless i found heart
Sometimes things we feel ain't right
Are shadows we keep caged in our lives
And everywhere the barrier of loneliness divides
Nothing matters much until i see your green eyes
I'm half crazy way inside
The way your body moves through mine
Like footprints on the sands of time
I can tell that what you see with-in you is dark
Don't believe that i'd rush in unless i found heart
The lyrics to 54-40's song "Lucky" are poetic and introspective, discussing the importance of a certain person's green eyes in the singer's life. The singer muses that nothing matters until they see those eyes. However, they also acknowledge that something is "wrong with all that's underneath your green eyes," possibly implying that the person is hiding something or struggling with internal conflict.
The verse repeats the theme that "sometimes things we feel ain't right," and that everyone carries "shadows we keep caged in our lives." The barrier of loneliness is ever-present, but the sight of the person's green eyes seems to dispel it.
The chorus notes that a secret is whispered everywhere from the person's green eyes and that they are waiting for a promised invasion. This sense of anticipation and mystery continues as the singer observes the way the person's body moves through theirs, like footprints on the sands of time.
The final lines of the song suggest the singer is "half crazy" but still intrigued by the darkness they sense within the person. They promise not to rush in without finding heart first.
Overall, the lyrics to "Lucky" create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere while also exploring deeper issues of self and identity. It's a song that rewards multiple listens and encourages introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing matters much until i see your green eyes
The person's world revolves around the one they love and everything else becomes secondary until they see them.
Something's wrong with all that's underneath your green eyes
The person acknowledges that their loved one is not perfect and there are things hidden beneath the surface that could cause problems.
Sometimes things we feel ain't right
The person recognizes that their feelings may not always be accurate or rational.
Shadows we keep caged in our lives
The person is aware that they and their loved one have secrets and demons that they try to restrain and hide from the world.
And everywhere the barrier of loneliness divides
The person feels that loneliness separates them from their loved one and that there is always a distance between them that needs to be bridged.
The secret whispered everywhere comes out your green eyes
The person feels that their loved one's eyes reveal their true nature and secrets that they don't want others to know about.
Waiting for the promised invasion your green eyes
The person is anticipating some kind of major change or upheaval that their loved one's eyes seem to prophesy or foretell.
Like footprints on the sands of time
The person sees their time with their loved one as fleeting and temporary, like footprints that will soon be washed away by the tide.
The way your body moves through mine
The person takes comfort and pleasure in the physical intimacy they share with their loved one.
I can tell that what you see within you is dark
The person has an intuitive sense that their loved one is struggling with inner demons and emotions that they keep hidden from others.
Don't believe that i'd rush in unless i found heart
The person wants their loved one to know that they won't make a commitment or act rashly until they are sure that it is genuine and from the heart.
I'm half crazy way inside
The person confesses that they are internally conflicted and almost overwhelmed by their emotions.
Contributed by Eva W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.