Fanning was taught the piano by his mother at an early age. At the age of 12, while attending St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, Fanning began writing music, and upon graduating from St. Joseph's, moved on to the University of Queensland, where he studied journalism for a short time. He would go on to drop out to pursue a music career after meeting Ian Haug in an economics class. Fanning joined Haug, John Collins, and Steven Bishop, who had recently formed Powderfinger, and took the role of lead singer. Subsequently, Bishop left and guitarist Darren Middleton joined.
From 1994 to 2004 Powderfinger released five albums, a double CD live album, and a Best Of, after which they decided to take a break. Fanning's solo album Tea & Sympathy was released in October 2005 and debuted at #1 on the Australian ARIA Albums chart. Singles released from this album were Wish You Well, Songbird and Watch Over Me.
Fanning won three ARIA awards in 2006, Best Male Artist, Album of the Year for Tea and Sympathy, and Best Music Video for Wish You Well. In the same year Wish You Well was voted in at #1 on Australian youth radio station Triple J's 2005 Hottest 100 poll.
Fanning also contributed songs to the 2003 film Ned Kelly including Shelter For My Soul and a cover of the traditional song Moreton Bay.
Powderfinger released their 6th studio album, Dream Days At The Hotel Existence in June 2007 and toured with Silverchair that autumn.
After the disbanding of Powderfinger in 2010, Fanning moved to Spain with his family where he began writing and recording demos for his next solo album. In January 2013 Fanning announced on his website blog that he had been recording the follow up to 2005's "Tea and Sympathy" in Los Angeles. In March 2013 he announced via his blog that recording had been completed and he had returned back to Australia. On 22nd April 2013 the first single Battleships was released. Fanning's second album, Departures, was released on 7th June 2013. Since the album release, two more singles have been released: Departures (Blue Toowong Skies) and Tell Me How It Ends.
Further Down The Road
Bernard Fanning Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've had my ups and downs
On any other day
I'd run me out of town
Now I'm standing in the middle of a good dream
Try'n to figure what I do and don't need
Hoping I can give myself a good chance
Not too proud to show the spirit that I once had I
I guess we'll wait for the night to fall
We'll Sleep right through to the breaking dawn
I guess we'll find out further down the road
Will I have the strength to take
The opportunity when it comes
Am I laid to waste if I lose my nerve and run
Now I'm standing in the middle of a good dream
Waiting on a number that I can't reach
Hoping I can give myself a good chance
And not too proud to say I'd love a little romance
I Guess we'll wait for the night to fall
We'll Sleep right through to the breaking dawn
I Guess we'll find out further down the road
Ooh well I never let love sink its claws in me
Ooh all I ever asked was happiness for you
Now I'm standing in the middle of a good dream
Waiting on a number that I can't reach I
I guess we'll wait for the night to fall
We'll sleep right through to the breaking dawn
I guess we'll find out further down the road
This feeling's worth its weight in gold
Just Praying for it to unfold
I guess we'll find out further down the road
The song Further Down The Road by Bernard Fanning speaks of a person who is reflecting on their life and how they feel about their present and future. The first verse discusses how the person has had their ups and downs, which is a common phrase used to describe the highs and lows of life. However, on this particular day, the singer is standing in the middle of a good dream and is trying to sort out what they do and don't need in their life. They are hopeful that they can give themselves a good chance and are not too proud to show the spirit they once had. The singer is acknowledging that they have made mistakes but still has hope for their future.
The second verse discusses the fear of not having the strength to take advantage of opportunities that come their way. The singer questions whether they are laid to waste if they lose their nerve and run. They are waiting for something that they can't reach and always hoping for a little romance. The chorus explains that the singer will wait for the night to fall and will find out more about their life further down the road. The final verse is interesting because the singer acknowledges that they have never let love sink its claws into them, which means they have never given themselves fully to love. They only ever wanted happiness for the one they loved.
Overall, the song speaks of a person who is in a reflective mood about their life and what they want from their future. They acknowledge their mistakes but still have hope for the future. They are waiting for their life to unfold and are not afraid to admit their feelings of love and fear.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not afraid to say
I am open to sharing my thoughts and feelings
I've had my ups and downs
I've experienced both good and bad times
On any other day
Under different circumstances
I'd run me out of town
I would distance myself from my problems
Now I'm standing in the middle of a good dream
I am at a point in life where things are positive
Try'n to figure what I do and don't need
I am uncertain about what is truly important to me
Hoping I can give myself a good chance
I am optimistic about my future
Not too proud to show the spirit that I once had I
I am willing to acknowledge my previous state of mind
I guess we'll wait for the night to fall
We will wait for the best time to act
We'll Sleep right through to the breaking dawn
We will remain hopeful until a positive outcome arises
I guess we'll find out further down the road
We will discover the truth in due time
Will I have the strength to take
Do I possess the courage to seize opportunities
The opportunity when it comes
When a chance presents itself
Am I laid to waste if I lose my nerve and run
Will I be ruined by retreat from a challenge
Waiting on a number that I can't reach
Awaiting an outcome that may be unattainable
And not too proud to say I'd love a little romance
I am open to finding love
Ooh well I never let love sink its claws in me
I have avoided emotional attachment in the past
Ooh all I ever asked was happiness for you
My primary concern is your well-being
This feeling's worth its weight in gold
This emotion is precious and valuable
Just Praying for it to unfold
Hoping for positive developments
I guess we'll find out further down the road
The future will reveal the answers we seek
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD JOSEPH FANNING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noises
Every person I've introduced to this album has thanked me for it. So I'll pass that on right now. Thank YOU, Bernard.
MungLicker1
Love this song!
J Chapman
favourite song on the entire album hands down!
Annifrid L
Rajir Lan'gassi same. So love this song.
Karl Flood
Such a heart felt song
Kylie Parker
my favorite song
Mat John
Like what the hell how is he that good
Shayne
talent
Aimee Day
<3
Sleezed Out
If Nirvana didn't come and swoop ya away from my dad I would of been named Bernard now its just Kurt :(