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.
Yank
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a sign you can't find
It's not there
The lyrics to the song Yank by 54-40 describe the feeling of being lost and unsure of where to go. The first line “Look the other way” suggests a desire to turn away from the current situation and seek something else. The following line “For a sign you can’t find” is a reflection of the frustration of not knowing where to turn. It’s a statement of feeling stuck and uncertain. The final line “It’s not there” is an acknowledgment that sometimes the answers we seek simply don’t exist. It’s a sense of resignation that can come with not finding what we’re looking for.
The chorus of the song further highlights this sense of uncertainty with the repetition of the phrase “Yank me, pull me.” It’s a plea for guidance and direction, a desire for someone or something to take hold and lead the way. Ultimately, the song speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and searching for direction in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Look the other way
Ignore the obvious, choose to be oblivious.
For a sign you can't find
In search of a positive signal, but it isn't apparent.
It's not there
The desired sign doesn't exist or hasn't appeared yet.
Contributed by Michael D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.