The band went through a number of line-up and mood changes since they first surfaced in 1984 as a trio whammying things up for the kids on the dancefloor with a very '60s fun organ-bass-drums sound and songs with titles like 'Nelson the Cat?!!'.
For over a decade, the Able Tasmans were one of the most-loved New Zealand bands around. While that love never translated into the commercial success sometimes associated with this level of adoration, their fans knew why they made music and responded accordingly.
'Nelson' was one of six songs which appeared on the Ables' 1985 debut EP for Flying Nun, 'The Tired Sun'. Recorded with thanks to "the marvels of modern steam recording" at Auckland's Progressive Studio over Easter, 1985, 'The Tired Sun' was a lively psych-out, admired for its strong singing and punchy upbeat feel
The Ables released their first full-length album in 1987, 'A Cuppa Tea And A Lie Down', which remains their most eclectic recording to date.
It was three years until a new Able Tasmans recording appeared on Flying Nun. Released in 1990, 'Hey Spinner!' was a denser album, with tunes that continued the Ables' curious line in lyrical kiwiana - a trend begun on the previous album, which had built local geography and custom into songs.
1992 saw the Able Tasmans entering the eighth year of their musical career and releasing their third full album for Flying Nun, 'Somebody Ate My Planet'. Their final album, 'Store in a Cool Place' was released in 1995.
Band Members:
Leslie Jonkers
Peter Keen
Graeme Humphreys
Craig Mason
Jane Dodd
Ronald Young
David Beniston
Rainbow
Able Tasmans Lyrics
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There is a rainbow and there is life
Got to make some sense in our life
(Repeated)
The lyrics of the song Rainbow by Able Tasmans are simple yet powerful, with an underlying message of hope and positivity. The repeated phrase "there is a rainbow and there is life" signifies that no matter how dark and difficult life may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope and beauty that can be found if we look for it. The line "got to make some sense in our life" suggests that we must strive to give meaning and purpose to our lives, even in times of despair.
The use of the metaphor of a rainbow is significant in this song as it is often associated with hope, peace and harmony. The rainbow represents a natural phenomenon that occurs after a storm, symbolizing the possibility of beauty and happiness after a period of darkness and turmoil.
The overall message of the song is one of optimism, encouraging listeners to focus on the positives in life and find the beauty in even the darkest of situations. It is a message of hope that encourages the listener to persevere and find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a rainbow and there is life
Life is a colorful and diverse journey, full of opportunities for growth and change.
There is a rainbow and there is life
Despite life's challenges and difficulties, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
Got to make some sense in our life
It is important to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and to strive for fulfillment and contentment.
Got to make some sense in our life
Life can feel chaotic and confusing, but we have the power to create clarity and understanding by finding our own sense of direction.
Contributed by Adrian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.