54•40 is an alternative rock band which formed in Tsawwassen, British Colum… Read Full Bio ↴54•40 is an alternative rock band which formed in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada in 1981. For most of their career, the band consisted of Neil Osborne (vocals), Phil Comparelli (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Brad Merritt (bass) and Matt Johnson (drums). Comparelli left the band in 2005 and was replaced by former Matthew Good Band guitarist Dave Genn. The band's best known songs include "Baby Ran", "Ocean Pearl" and "I Go Blind", the latter of which was covered by Hootie & the Blowfish. The band takes their name from the slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight," coined to express the expansionist agenda of James K. Polk's presidency, intent upon controling a contested U.S.-Canada border area.

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.

Nice to Luv You
54-40 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've seen it before same way
Can't understand it what you give away
And I search around what you're looking for
Get a walk get a walk get a walk got to stop

The trouble
Nice to luv you baby
With all my heart and soul

Nice to luv you baby

No matter where I go
Bout the time before when you were messed up
And I turn the lights out and I search about
Yeah it was in the shower that I found a flower

Hip Hop doo wop got to rock this difference in
Nice to luv you baby
With all my heart and soul
Nice to luv you baby

No matter where I go
Fire in the night
Sky is bright
And there's no fear

What a feelin here
Nice to luv you baby
With all my heart and soul

Nice to luv you baby
No matter where I go

Overall Meaning

The song 'Nice to Luv You' by 54-40 explores the confusion and uncertainty that can come with a relationship. The opening lyrics, "I've seen it before same way, can't understand it what you give away," suggest that the singer has experienced this kind of relationship before - one in which their partner is giving mixed signals or behaving in ways that are inconsistent or difficult to comprehend. The singer has been "searching around" for answers, but ultimately feels like they need to "stop" and take a break from trying to decipher what their partner wants.

Despite the confusion, the singer asserts that it is "Nice to luv you baby, with all my heart and soul" - they still care deeply for this person and find joy in loving them, even if the relationship is complicated. The line "hip hop doo wop got to rock this difference in" suggests that the relationship may be unconventional or unconventional barriers may exist, but the singer is still committed to their love.

The final lines of the song evoke a sense of freedom and release. The "fire in the night, sky is bright" and "no fear" suggest that the singer has found a sense of peace and contentment within themselves, even as the relationship remains uncertain. Ultimately, the song communicates a sense of perseverance and enduring love in the face of confusion and doubt.

Line by Line Meaning

I've seen it before same way
I have witnessed this situation before and it is quite familiar.

Can't understand it what you give away
I don't comprehend what you are sacrificing or sharing.

And I search around what you're looking for
I am exploring for what you are seeking or desiring.

Get a walk get a walk get a walk got to stop
I am walking and it seems that I need to take a break.

The trouble
The issue at hand.

Nice to luv you baby
It is pleasant to love you, my dear.

With all my heart and soul
I am giving you every ounce of my being, emotionally and spiritually.

No matter where I go
Regardless of my geographical location.

Bout the time before when you were messed up
About the past, when you were not doing well.

And I turn the lights out and I search about
I switch off the lights and look around in the darkness.

Yeah it was in the shower that I found a flower
In the shower is where I discovered a flower.