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.
Ocean Pearl
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bitten in the valley of thirst, the body kills
I got an ocean pearl
I see an open world
(pre-chorus)
O...cean pearl!
(verse2)
You just have to whisper, promising the moon
I got an ocean pearl
I see an open world
(pre-chorus)
O...cean pearl!
(chorus)
It's what I wanted
'cause I'm only gonna do this once
Gonna wash me in your water
Put the "vive" back in "la difference" yeah
(solo)
(verse3)
I got an ocean pearl
And I'd die without my
(pre-chorus)
O....cean pearl!
(outro)
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
The lyrics to 54-40's "Ocean Pearl" describe a desire for adventure and a thirst for life. The first verse talks about taking risks and experiencing the highs and lows of life by playing "kiss and tell" with "poison pills." The lines, "Bitten in the valley of thirst, the body kills," suggest the idea of being consumed by a desire for more and not being satisfied until you have it all. However, the chorus reveals that this desire for more is what the singer wants, as they are only going to live once and want to experience everything life has to offer. The ocean pearl symbolizes the singer's desire for adventure and exploration, which will open up a whole new world for them.
The second verse talks about the power of promises and dreams. The singer says that they only have to whisper and promise the moon to make someone else's dreams come true. This idea of the power of words and promises ties back to the idea of taking risks and the unknown. The lines, "And if she dares to dream, make it true" suggest that the singer believes in the power of imagination and encourages others to embrace it.
The repeating chorus and pre-chorus reinforce the idea of the ocean pearl being a symbol for adventure and exploration. The lines "I got an ocean pearl, I see an open world" suggest that the singer believes that by embracing the unknown, they will discover something beautiful and new. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song reinforces the idea that the singer's desire for adventure and exploration will never end.
Line by Line Meaning
Play a little kiss and tell with poison pills
Indulge in gossiping about past relationships, despite the harm it may cause to others.
Bitten in the valley of thirst, the body kills
Being consumed by desire can lead to self-destruction and harm.
I got an ocean pearl
I possess something precious and valuable, like a pearl from the ocean.
I see an open world
I have a broad perspective on things and see endless possibilities in life.
You just have to whisper, promising the moon
Offering grand promises with the slightest assurance is all it takes to manipulate someone.
And if she dares to dream, make it true
Supporting someone in their dreams and aspirations can make them come to life.
It's what I wanted
This is exactly what I desired.
'cause I'm only gonna do this once
I only have one chance to do this and don't want to regret it later.
Gonna wash me in your water
I want to be cleansed and refreshed by this experience.
Put the 'vive' back in 'la difference' yeah
I want to regain the excitement and vitality in this difference between us.
I'd die without my
I cannot imagine living without something so important to me.
O....cean pearl!
Reinforcement of the importance and value of the ocean pearl.
I got an ocean pearl
Reiteration and emphasis of the ownership of the precious ocean pearl.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRAD MERRITT, MATT JOHNSON, NEIL OSBORNE, PHIL COMPARELLI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Alynnia
Lyrics
Play a little kiss and tell with poison pills
Bitten in the valley of thirst, the body kills
I got an ocean pearl
I see an open world
(pre-chorus)
O...cean pearl!
(verse2)
You just have to whisper, promising the moon
And if she dares to dream, make it true
I got an ocean pearl
I see an open world
(pre-chorus)
O...cean pearl!
(chorus)
It's what I wanted
'cause I'm only gonna do this once
Gonna wash me in your water
Put the "vive" back in "la difference" yeah
(solo)
(verse3)
I got an ocean pearl
And I'd die without my
(pre-chorus)
O....cean pearl!
(outro)
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
I got an ocean pearl
@devious187
Music makes me proud to be Canadian, straight canucklehead
@christianhuntercascon888
great Canadian band!! π¨π¦
@Tomfoolery1972
My friend Mark and I traveled to Arizona, Imperial Beach in San Diego, and Las Vegas in late August, 1994. Afrer we got home, I started seeing this video and couldn't believe it, it was like the band came with us and made the video while we were there. π
@lucypotato8793
OMG, I love me some 54-40!, thanx wonderful Canadian guys! Who is ever so much fun at live gigs!!! Luv your friend, Lucy in Edmonton ,I know all of your songs from about 1980. I'm not sure what year it was in the 2000's at Hawrelak Park with K-97, my little sister & I danced our asses off & Had had so much fun, her husband was ready to divorce her, we still laugh about it today, Sheelah...
@dave9863
Props Tsawwassen. Amazing group from the town we grew up in.
@cree8vision
Big hit in Canada.
@renlessard
A concert favourite that still holds up
@mariachi031676
under rated band!
@helenh1752
so true
@horribleboils6555
I can't believe this song has barely any viewership on Youtube. This is like, a radio hit I've heard since I was a tot and it doesn't even have half a million views across all its videos. What the hell?