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.
Pay For Living
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Know that we should know that we should both
I want to pay with my giving
Know that we should know that we should go
Get on that boat and let's start rowing
Go on searching for survivors
How can you breathe without the air
How can you see without the light
The song "Pay For Living" by 54-40 is a commentary on the human condition, specifically the idea of payment and compensation for survival. The lyrics express a desire to pay for one's own living, to recognize that survival is not something that is simply given but is instead something that must be earned. The next line, "Know that we should both," suggests that this desire is shared and perhaps universal. The second verse talks of giving as a means of paying, again emphasizing the idea that survival is not free but requires effort and contribution.
The song then shifts to a more urgent tone with the refrain, "Get on that boat and let's start rowing" and the subsequent line about searching for survivors. This could be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to take action rather than simply coasting through life. The final lines of the song "How can you breathe without air, how can you see without light, how can you feel without the touch of another" highlight the importance of basic human needs and connections in order to survive and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to pay for my living
I want to work hard and earn a living to support myself.
Know that we should know that we should both
We should understand that it's important for both of us to contribute to our livelihood.
I want to pay with my giving
I want to give back to society and contribute to the community with my work and actions.
Know that we should know that we should go
We should understand the need to take action and move forward with our goals.
Get on that boat and let's start rowing
Let's work together and put in the effort to achieve our objectives, just like rowing a boat together.
Go on searching for survivors
Continue to strive and look for ways to improve the world and help those in need.
How can you breathe without the air
Just like how air is essential for breathing, certain things are necessary for survival and well-being.
How can you see without the light
Without light and guidance, it's easy to feel lost and directionless.
How can you feel without the touch of another
Human connection and touch are important for emotional well-being and happiness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: COMPARELLI, JOHNSON, MERRITT, OSBORNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind