When the group was first formed in 1971, they were called Shacklock after their guitarist Alan Shacklock. Members included Janita Haan and Dave Hewitt, with Dave Punshon and Dick Powell later joining. The first release was their single "Elusive"; their first album, First Base, went gold in Canada. In 1973, Ed Spevock replaced Powell and Chris Holmes replaced Punshon on the second album. In 1975, Steve Gurl, keyboardist from Glenn Cornick's Wild Turkey replaced Holmes for the third album. The same year, Shacklock exited and Bernie Marsden (Wild Turkey) joined the team for the fourth album. After this, Haan and Hewitt left.
Though no original member remained, the group incorporated Ellie Hope and Ray Knott for the fifth album in 1976. Shortly before Babe Ruth disbanded, they were joined by the 17 year-old Birmingham born Simon Lambeth who made a few appearances on their last tour. Lambeth's hauntingly naïve sound on rhythm guitar, behind the lead of Marsden, promised much but sadly it was too late; Marsden moved on to bigger things and joined Whitesnake. Simon changed careers and sadly was lost to the music scene - Hope did an outstanding job on the LP, later releasing her own solo effort in the booming disco era. Unfortunately, these later efforts are harder to pin down.
A disco cover of Babe Ruth's classic "The Mexican" appeared in the late 70s, performed by the Bombers. This version inspired an electro/freestyle cover produced by John Jellybean Benitez in 1984, for which he managed to recruit Haan on vocals - the cover subsequently becoming noted for its popularity as an underground dance hit.
Between late 2005 and early 2006, Haan, Shacklock, Punshon, and Hewitt recorded new material together in Nashville, with Spevock recording his drums in London. The album was completed September 2006, and after being made available in digital form via the band's official web site, it was released on CD through Revolver Records in the first quarter of 2009.
Broken Cloud
Babe Ruth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a broken cloud 'Fore morning's come Squintin' eyes
In the desert v waste Shouts his cause
Its no disgrace
Broken Cloud
Standin' high
Sees the sun
Light in his hair
Mighty like the spear In hardened grip
Gazing
Over yonder plains Stalks the prey
With fingertips
Scars bear his chest Feathers surround his head
Quick and light
Ready for tight
Loves his life
But the warrior is forgot
He may laugh at all The weathered storms Friendly with the sun
That gives him warmth Alone but free
He's a memory
Past is the pride
That's his company
The lyrics of the song "Broken Cloud" by Babe Ruth describe a solitary figure standing in the desert with his face in the sun, looking out over the plains. The broken cloud symbolizes the figure's isolation and the hardship he has faced in his life. However, the figure is strong and resilient, standing tall and proud despite his scars and the hardships he has endured. The lyrics suggest that this figure is a forgotten warrior, someone who has lived a life of struggle and danger but is now alone and forgotten. The broken cloud becomes a symbol of his past, and the figure is left with only memories of his proud and courageous life.
The lyrics of "Broken Cloud" are rich with symbolism and meaning, painting a vivid picture of a lone figure in the desert. The song suggests themes of isolation, resilience, and the passage of time. Babe Ruth's use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful and evocative portrait of a forgotten warrior, standing alone in the empty desert.
Line by Line Meaning
Face in the sun
Looking towards the sun
Like a broken cloud 'Fore morning's come
Being misunderstood by others
Squintin' eyes
Narrowing the eyes due to bright light
In the desert v waste
In an unproductive place
Shouts his cause
Speaking out about something he believes in
Its no disgrace
There's nothing wrong with standing up for oneself
Broken Cloud
A person who is often misunderstood
Standin' high
Being visible and noticeable
Sees the sun
Feeling the warmth of the sun
And gives out his cry
Expressing himself
Light in his hair
Having a noticeable appearance
Mighty like the spear
Being powerful
In hardened grip
Holding onto something tightly
Gazing
Looking carefully at something
Over yonder plains
Looking into the distance
Stalks the prey
Going after something aggressively
With fingertips
Using one's hands
Scars bear his chest
Having experienced pain and hurt
Feathers surround his head
Having an air of confidence and grace
Quick and light
Being agile
Ready for tight
Prepared for anything
Loves his life
Enjoying his own existence
But the warrior is forgot
Being forgotten despite past accomplishments
He may laugh at all
Finding humor in everything
The weathered storms
Having overcome difficulties
Friendly with the sun
Being comfortable and at peace with oneself
That gives him warmth
Deriving strength from oneself
Alone but free
Being independent
He's a memory
Being remembered by others
Past is the pride
Feeling accomplished in the past
That's his company
His only source of companionship are past memories
Contributed by Gabriel E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.