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.
Me Island
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wait long
Don't wait to die young
Don't wait long
One way me island
One way me island
One way me island
It's one long way to go
Don't let hope die young
Don't wait to die young
Don't wait long
Don't wait to die young
Don't wait long
One way me island
One way me island
One way me island
It's one long way to go
The lyrics of "Me Island" by 54-40 seem to convey a sense of urgency in living life to the fullest and not wasting precious time. The words "Don't wait to die young, don't wait long" suggest that one should not put off living life fully for fear of the future or succumbing to age, but instead live boldly and passionately. The repetition of "One way me island" implies that life is a journey, and there is only one way to live it - with no turning back. The line "It's one long way to go" reinforces this idea of life being a finite journey, and the need to make the most of it.
The sudden shift to "Don't let hope die young" suggests that hope is just as important as living life fully. It is easy to become jaded and cynical in life, especially as we age and face more challenges, but the lyrics encourage us to hold on to hope no matter what. The phrase "don't let hope die young" seems to suggest that hope can die just as quickly as a young person can, and so we must nurture it and keep it alive.
Overall, the lyrics of "Me Island" are a reminder to live life boldly, with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that our time on this earth is finite.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't wait to die young
Don't put off living life to the fullest until you're young, because time is limited and valuable
Don't wait long
Don't procrastinate or hesitate, take action now
One way me island
My life is a journey that only goes in one direction
It's one long way to go
Life is a lengthy journey full of challenges and obstacles, but it's important to keep moving forward
Don't let hope die young
Maintain optimism and positivity in the face of adversity, don't let hope fade away too soon
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeffrey Osborne, Robert Brookings
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind