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.
You the One
54-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could kick my head, it was you who once said
I'm down with you, say your name
I'm down with that 'cause it's you
Can't front what you don't feel
Can't be what you don't know
And there's no legs for this kid
You the one I'm down with
You the one that I'm on
Yeah it's a you
Got high and it proved too high
It's a reach that exceeds my grasp
I saw true things with curious names
And I got stung by it all
I am for the ears of everyone
I am for the eyes of those who come
I am for the taste of lovers
I am one
Yesterday's man was doing his thing
On the road to the reconstruction
And there maybe baby maybe trouble ahead
Swing with the lowest tongue
The song "You The One" by 54-40 seems to be about a relationship gone sour. The first part of the lyrics "In check I'm just okay, hey-hey, I could kick my head, it was you who once said" indicates that the singer is not feeling his best, possibly because of something the other person said or did. However, he still feels loyal to that person by saying "I'm down with you, say your name, I'm down with that 'cause it's you."
The second stanza further emphasizes the idea that one cannot fake feelings or knowledge, saying "Can't front what you don't feel, Can't be what you don't know, And there's no legs for this kid, 'Cause I forgot what I did." It seems like the relationship has lost its spark, and the singer is struggling to remember what they once had.
The chorus brings back the loyalty, saying "You the one I'm down with, You the one that I'm on, Yeah it's a you." However, it seems like the singer is also reflecting on past events, such as getting too high and seeing "true things with curious names," which could refer to hallucinations or a sense of disillusionment. The last stanza switches to first-person, saying "I am for the ears of everyone, I am for the eyes of those who come, I am for the taste of lovers, I am one," which could suggest a newfound confidence for the singer or a realization that he needs to focus more on his own needs. The final line of "Swing with the lowest tongue" could be interpreted as a warning about potential betrayal or danger.
Line by Line Meaning
In check I'm just okay, hey-hey
I'm not doing great, just alright.
I could kick my head, it was you who once said
I'm really regretting something and it was you who warned me about it.
I'm down with you, say your name
I support you, just tell me what you want me to do.
I'm down with that 'cause it's you
I'm happy to support you because it's you who's asking for it.
Can't front what you don't feel
You can't pretend to feel something you don't actually feel.
Can't be what you don't know
You can't be something if you don't have enough knowledge or experience about it.
And there's no legs for this kid
I don't have enough support or resources for this.
Cause I forgot what I did
I don't remember what led me to this situation.
You the one I'm down with
I'm supporting you and your cause.
You the one that I'm on
You're the one that I'm committed to.
Yeah it's a you
It's all about you.
Got high and it proved too high
I got too ambitious and it didn't end up well.
It's a reach that exceeds my grasp
I'm reaching for something that's beyond my capabilities.
I saw true things with curious names
I experienced something that was true but didn't make sense at first.
And I got stung by it all
It ended up hurting me in some way.
I am for the ears of everyone
I want everyone to hear me.
I am for the eyes of those who come
I want to be seen by those who pay attention to me.
I am for the taste of lovers
I want to be loved.
I am one
I am an individual.
Yesterday's man was doing his thing
Someone who was once important is still doing what he does.
On the road to the reconstruction
Trying to rebuild or improve something that has been previously broken or damaged.
And there maybe baby maybe trouble ahead
There might be some challenges in the future.
Swing with the lowest tongue
Communicate or negotiate in a humble or gentle way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind