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.
Wish I Knew
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I could tell what you were saying, When you say you won't be deceived
All there really is, Is the next thing that will happen
If you get it more than this, I wish I knew, Wish I knew you
I wish I knew what you were saying, When you say you have given up
If I could see through your eyes only, If I could feel what you did wrong
It's the best game in the world, Sometimes you get burned
I wish I knew, wish I knew you
Go, go, go, give up your place to hide
No more watching it all go by
It's the best game in the world, Sometimes you get burned
If you're getting more than you're worth, I wish I knew, wish I knew you
I wish I knew, wish I knew you
Go, go, go, give up your place to hide
No more watching it all go by
Go, go, go, give up your place to hide
No more watching it all go by
The lyrics of "Wish I Knew" by 54-40 express the singer's desire to understand and connect with someone else. They wish they could know the thoughts, beliefs, and true feelings of the other person when they claim they won't be deceived or have given up. The singer acknowledges the unpredictability of life and the inherent risks and rewards that come with it, likening it to a game. They recognize that sometimes you can get hurt in the pursuit of something, but that doesn't stop them from wanting to know this person better.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and an invitation to let go of fear and hesitancy. The repetition of "go, go, go" encourages the other person to come out of their shell and stop hiding or watching from the sidelines. The singer is essentially saying that if the other person is getting more out of life than they realize, they should share that experience with others instead of keeping it to themselves.
Overall, "Wish I Knew" is a song about wanting to connect with others on a deeper level and take risks in life despite the potential for pain or disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I knew what you were thinking, I wish I knew what you believed
The singer desires to understand the thoughts and beliefs of the person they are addressing.
If I could tell what you were saying, When you say you won't be deceived
The singer wishes they could discern the true meaning behind the other person's words when they claim they cannot be fooled.
All there really is, Is the next thing that will happen
The singer suggests that the only certainty in life is the future and what events will unfold that shape it.
If you get it more than this, I wish I knew, Wish I knew you
If the other person has a deeper understanding of life or is experiencing something the artist is not, they would like to know them better.
I wish I knew what you were saying, When you say you have given up
The artist wants clarity when the other person claims they have given up on something.
If I could see through your eyes only, If I could feel what you did wrong
The singer wishes they could empathize with the other person's experience and understand what their mistakes were in a situation.
It's the best game in the world, Sometimes you get burned
The singer views life as a game that can be enjoyable but also come with risks and negative consequences.
If you're getting more than this, I wish I knew, wish I knew you
If the other person is experiencing greater success or happiness, the artist wishes they had a closer relationship with them to learn from and possibly share in their good fortune.
Go, go, go, give up your place to hide
The artist encourages the other person to stop avoiding or hiding from life and its challenges.
No more watching it all go by
The artist urges the other person to take action and not just be a bystander in life.
Contributed by Elena W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
judybert108
All there really is is the next thing that will happen