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.
Music Man
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause I won't be there to hold your hand
Like I used to
I'm through with you
You're a heck of a singer and a powerful man
But you surround yourself with people who demand so little of you
You touched my soul with your beautiful song
Right with you
You said I need you
Then you changed the words and added harmony
Then you sang a song you had written for me to someone new
Oh, but nobody sings a love song quite like you do
Oh and nobody else can make me sing along
Nobody else can make me feel
That things are right when I know they're wrong
Nobody sings a love song quite like you
Sing your song sweet music man
You travel the world with a six piece band
That does for you what you tell 'em to
You try to stay young but the songs are sung
To so many people they've all begun to come back on you
Sing your song sad music man
Makin' your livin' doin' one night stands
They're through with you they don't need you
You're still a hell of a singer but a broken man
But you'll keep on lookin' for one last fan to sing to
Oh, but nobody sings a love song quite like you do
Oh, and nobody else can make me sing along
Nobody else can make me feel
That things are right when I know they're wrong
Nobody sings a love song quite like you
Sing your song sweet music man
I believe in you
The lyrics to 54-40's "Music Man" are a bittersweet farewell to a talented musician who the singer once admired, but has since fallen out of favor with. The singer acknowledges the musician's powerful voice and skill, but laments that he surrounds himself with people who don't challenge him to reach his full potential. The song flashes back to a time when the musician's music touched the singer's soul, to the point where he would sing along with him. However, the musician changed his tune and sang a song he had written for the singer to someone else, effectively ending their friendship.
As the song progresses, we see that the musician has turned into a sad, broken man. He still goes on tour with his band, but they only do shows for one night stands. The fans have moved on and have no use for him anymore. The singer urges the musician to keep singing, but it's clear that he won't be able to recapture his former glory. The final line, "I believe in you," could be interpreted as either hopeful or resigned - the singer might be optimistic that the musician can turn his career around, or it could be a final goodbye to someone who he once saw as a hero.
Line by Line Meaning
Sing a song sweet music man
Please keep entertaining me with your singing
Cause I won't be there to hold your hand
I won't be with you anymore to support you
Like I used to
I'm not going to be there for you like I was before
I'm through with you
I'm done with this relationship
You're a heck of a singer and a powerful man
You have impressive vocal skills and have influence over others
But you surround yourself with people who demand so little of you
The people around you are not challenging you enough
You touched my soul with your beautiful song
Your song had a profound impact on me
You even had me singin' along
I was so moved by the song that I joined in singing it
Right with you
I was singing in harmony with your voice
You said I need you
You made me feel important and appreciated
Then you changed the words and added harmony
You altered the lyrics of the song and made it even more beautiful
Then you sang a song you had written for me to someone new
You performed a song you had created for me, but for someone else instead
Oh, but nobody sings a love song quite like you do
Your songs expressing love are incomparable
Oh and nobody else can make me sing along
No one else can make me join in singing their song
Nobody else can make me feel
No other music can create the same emotional experience for me
That things are right when I know they're wrong
Even when I'm aware that something is wrong, your music makes me feel okay
Nobody sings a love song quite like you
No one else can match the beauty of your love songs
Sing your song sweet music man
Please continue to perform your music
You travel the world with a six piece band
You tour globally with a group of musicians
That does for you what you tell 'em to
Your band plays music exactly the way you instruct them to
You try to stay young but the songs are sung
You try to appeal to a younger audience, but everyone has heard your songs
To so many people they've all begun to come back on you
Your over-reliance on your previous hits and lack of innovation is affecting your reputation
Sing your song sad music man
Continue singing, even if you're feeling dejected
Makin' your livin' doin' one night stands
You make money by performing at gigs that last for just one night
They're through with you they don't need you
People are getting tired of your music and no longer want to hear it
You're still a hell of a singer but a broken man
You have a great voice, but you're emotionally damaged
But you'll keep on lookin' for one last fan to sing to
Despite your challenges, you'll continue to search for someone who will love your music
I believe in you
I have faith in you and your talent
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brad Merritt, Matt Johnson, Neil Osborne, Phil Comparelli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe Komperda
probably the single most underrated band to ever come out of Canada.
David Taylor
there are many
Noname
huh
Todd Piercey
3000 views sense 2018, feel like I know a secret most humans don't
w96
i found this trying to look for matpat yelling "MUSIC MAAN"
Melodie Kacal
Kari