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.
Shade Grows
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shade still grows
Tell me if i start to fall deep in the well
Hear me if i start the call and toll the bell
She will talk and beauty flows out from her mouth
I signed up for duty i took the job
Shade still grows
I know why the lone wolf howls
I know i know
I know hunger for a friend
I know
Unleash the power of the atom and it will not do
Poke a hole in the sky it will not do
For every new born this century
Old ones must move
I signed up for duty and took this job
The song "Shade Grows" by 54-40 speaks to the struggles of life and the need for companionship. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is asking for help from another, to hear them and rescue them from the darkness that they are in. The repeated phrase "Shade grows" connotes the idea of darkness and negativity that is growing in one's life. The plea to "hear me if I start the call and toll the bell" is an indication of the person's desperation in seeking help. The lines "She will talk and beauty flows out from her mouth / I signed up for duty, I took the job" could possibly be metaphorical of the beauty and hope that a relationship could bring but also acknowledging the responsibility and commitment that comes with it.
The verse "I know why the lone wolf howls / I know hunger for a friend" shows how the person is aware of the importance of companionship and is currently going through a lonely phase. The following lines "Unleash the power of the atom and it will not do / Poke a hole in the sky it will not do / For every new born this century / Old ones must move" refer to the idea of new beginnings and the inevitable changes that come with it. The person acknowledges that they need to move on from their old ways and make changes to their life to grow and progress.
Line by Line Meaning
Shade grows
The darkness and negativity in life continues to increase
Shade still grows
Despite our efforts, the negativity does not seem to decrease
Tell me if I start to fall deep in the well
If I start to feel lost or trapped, can you help me?
Hear me if I start the call and toll the bell
Will you listen and offer support if I reach out for help?
She will talk and beauty flows out from her mouth
She has a way of speaking that is both captivating and inspiring
I signed up for duty I took the job
I have taken on responsibilities and I am committed to fulfilling them
I know why the lone wolf howls
I understand the pain and loneliness that can cause someone to feel like an outsider
I know I know
I have experienced and understand what it means to be lost or confused
I know hunger for a friend
I have a deep desire for companionship and human connection
Unleash the power of the atom and it will not do
Even if we use our most powerful tools, we cannot seem to solve all of our problems
Poke a hole in the sky it will not do
We cannot force a breakthrough in difficult situations, no matter how much we try
For every new born this century, old ones must move
As new generations come into the world, older ones must step aside and make room for change
I signed up for duty and took this job
I have taken on responsibilities and I am committed to fulfilling them
Contributed by Avery D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.