The AOR band 707 formed in Detroit; original members included Phil Bryant (bass, vocals), Jim McClarty (drums), Duke McFadden (keyboards, vocals), Kevin Russell (guitars, vocals), and David Carr (piano), although the lineup changed with each album. After signing to Casablanca, the band released its self-titled debut and had a modest radio hit with "I Could Be Good for You," written by McFadden and McCarty. The Second Album (1981) and Megaforce (1982) followed, but 707 never followed up its signature hit. The third 707 album was recorded in 1981 after completing a tour together opening for REO Speedwagon. The line-up was Kevin Russell (guitar), Phil Bryant (vocals/bass), Jim McClarty (drums) and Todd Howarth (keys/guitar). The album was shelved until it was finally released in 2004.
Chalfant later enjoyed some success in the early 1990s with The Storm. After a hiatus from music in the mid-1990s, he has remained active in solo and group projects, and has stepped in as temporary lead vocalist for Journey (1993) and The Alan Parsons Project (2003). Tod Howarth enjoyed success with Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's solo outing which re-wrote "Mega Force" with Jonathan Cain's writing credit removed and Frehley's added. They titled the song "Calling To You" since Ace did not want to use the name Megaforce since he was signed to Megaforce Records. Howarth had stints in Ted Nugent's band, his own solo career, and as a longtime touring keyboardist for Cheap Trick.
Kevin Russell fashioned a successful career as a record producer and guitarist for numerous acts, including Rick Derringer, Clarence Clemons, and Whitesnake. In 2000, 707 regrouped briefly around guitarist Russell and independent record label releases have featured early demos, live tracks, and new material, as well as CD re-releases of their 1980s albums.
After parting from 707, Jim McClarty worked in television and audio production before devoting himself to the ministry. He is currently a pastor near Nashville, Tennessee. In 2006 he returned to his 707 roots, mastering the band's album The Fourth Decade for Renaissance Records.
Duke McFadden died on April 5, 2005, from heart complications.
Discography
1980 - 707 - Casablanca
1981 - The Second Album - Casablanca (US #159)
1982 - Mega Force - Boardwalk (US #129)
2000 - Trip to Heaven - Bedrock
2004 - The Bridge - MTM Music & Publish (2004); Renaissance (2006 re-release)
2005 - Greatest Hits Live - Renaissance
2006 - The Fourth Decade - Renaissance
2006 - Magic - Renaissance
Waste of Time
707 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But if I told you what's on my mind, you'd think it was a waste of time
Let me lay it right on the line, I'll be a stranger anyday
It's all so loveless, all such a crime, I'll make it's all a waste of time
Stealing, dealing, little one, you'd like to have more than I make
More than I make!
You think you deserve the best, wining, dining, give me a break
You taught me, I tell you, you taught me, I tell you
You taught me, I tell you, you taught me, I tell you
When it's over, who will we blame, you're telling me, I'm telling you
You can go now, I'll stay behind, but honey, please, don't waste my time
The overall theme of the song "Waste of Time" by 707 is the sentiment of feeling undervalued and unappreciated in a relationship. The singer confesses that they feel neglected by their partner, who never listens or notices them when they're around. However, the singer feels that if they were to express their innermost thoughts and desires to their significant other, they would be dismissed as unimportant and therefore feel that doing so would be futile. The singer claims they would rather be a stranger that isn't ignored or overlooked.
In the chorus, the singer addresses their partner's materialistic and superficial tendencies. The partner is portrayed as a thief, wanting more than the singer makes, and feeling entitled to the best things in life. The singer is exasperated with the lavish lifestyle, calling out their partner for being unappreciative of the luxuries they already have.
The repetitive line "You taught me, I tell you" in the bridge could be interpreted in a couple of ways. It could mean that the partner taught the singer these superficial values, leading them to feel undervalued now. Alternatively, it could suggest that the partner taught the singer how to love and be in a relationship, leaving the singer wondering if their partner even remembers how to do so.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of melancholy and disillusionment with love and relationships. The singer feels like their time in the relationship is wasted and underappreciated, ultimately leading them to question the point of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
You can go now, I'll stay behind, you never noticed anyway
I'm ready to be on my own because you've never really paid attention to me.
But if I told you what's on my mind, you'd think it was a waste of time
I don't think you would listen or take me seriously if I expressed my thoughts and feelings.
Let me lay it right on the line, I'll be a stranger anyday
I'm willing to be upfront and direct with you, even if it means losing our relationship.
It's all so loveless, all such a crime, I'll make it's all a waste of time
Our relationship lacks love and emotional connection, and I believe it's not worth pursuing anymore.
Stealing, dealing, little one, you'd like to have more than I make
You're always trying to be ahead of me and have more material possessions than I do.
More than I make!
You're always trying to one-up me when it comes to money and possessions.
You think you deserve the best, wining, dining, give me a break
You feel entitled to the best things in life, like expensive dining and wining, which is unrealistic and exhausting.
You taught me, I tell you, you taught me, I tell you
I'm reflecting on what you've taught me, both good and bad.
When it's over, who will we blame, you're telling me, I'm telling you
If our relationship ends, we might find ourselves blaming each other, but it's better to acknowledge that we both played a role in it.
You can go now, I'll stay behind, but honey, please, don't waste my time
I'm allowing you to leave if you want to, but I hope you won't waste my time anymore if you're going to stay.
Lyrics © GOOD FOR YOU MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind