Big Heavy Stuff received a Best Alternative Release nomination at the 15th Annual ARIA Awards for their album Size of the Ocean.
Big Heavy Stuff is a four-piece band, featuring Greg Atkinson (Vocals, Guitars), Carolyn Polley (Guitars, Vocals), Eliot Fish (Bass, Vocals) and Nick Kennedy (Drums). The band was established in 1990 and is with the recording label Redline Records (Australia). Greg Atkinson had previously fronted the band Ups and Downs, Eliot Fish and Nick Kennedy were in The Templebears and Carolyn Polley was singer/guitarist for Dutiful Daughters.
Big Heavy Stuff were at the forefront of Australian independent guitar rock throughout the '90s. The band was formed out of the remains of Brisbane band, Ups and Downs by Greg Atkinson. Quickly signed to an indie imprint of a major label, Big Heavy Stuff was recognized as one of Australia's leading indie rock acts, alongside bands such as Crow, Something for Kate and Jebediah. Although never achieving substantial commercial success, the band was widely respected and critically acclaimed.
The band is not currently active however the members all continue to live in the Sydney area. Drummer Nick Kennedy and bassist Eliot Fish are members of other Sydney bands. Greg Atkinson has gone on to form the Worker Bees with brother (and ex-Ups and Downs bandmate) Darren, and more recently, indie chamber pop band Theories of Everything.
As of January 2006, there is a rumour circulating that the band have parted ways. This was announced on FBi Radio after close to a year of no activity and a long delay in a website update, the last of which was shortly before their last performance at the Come Together Music Festival at Luna Park Sydney.
Big Heavy Stuff played a reunion show in Sydney on April 18, 2009 at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville. The gig were filmed for the That Then This Now documentary.
www.bigheavystuff.net
Goliath
Big Heavy Stuff Lyrics
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His giant's frame leaves imprints
Make mine the same, a little less shoulder
It's a nice day to set you free, to set you free
You lost your way
Goliath, wait a little bit longer
This conversation just gets shorter
It's a nice day to set you free, to set you free
You lost your way
You lost your way
You say it's over
You say it's over
Possible interpretation:
The song "Goliath" by Australian rock band Big Heavy Stuff seems to be about the struggle of confronting and overcoming one's inner demons or challenges. The title character, Goliath, refers to a biblical giant famously defeated by David, and perhaps represents an obstacle, addiction, or fear that the singer is trying to deal with. The chorus of "stay a little bit longer" and "wait a little bit longer" suggest a hesitance to let go of Goliath, as if the singer has grown accustomed to the weight or shape of this figurative burden. The desire to make "mine the same" but "a little less shoulder" reflects an ambivalent attitude towards the source of the problem, recognizing its impact but wanting to reduce its dominance.
The first verse juxtaposes Goliath's "imprints" with the singer's wish to have a similar mark on the world, or to achieve a similar stature. However, the line "It's a nice day to set you free" hints at a moment when the singer decides to break away from this comparison and see the lightness of liberation, regardless of how others will perceive them or how much they will miss the old way. The repetition of "you lost your way" underscores the theme of direction or purpose, implying that Goliath may have hindered or distracted the singer from their true path, or that the singer may have caused the downfall of this identity or relationship.
The second verse introduces a new perspective, as the singer acknowledges that what they want to say to Goliath is not something that can be expressed easily or publicly. The fact that this conversation "just gets shorter" implies a failure to communicate or connect, or a recognition that the singer is not ready to confront the full extent of their emotions or memories. However, the last line of the verse again emphasizes the opportunity to let go and move on, as reinforced by the chorus. Finally, the repetition of "you say it's over" echoes a common phrase in breakups, signaling a closure or acceptance of the end of the relationship, whether it refers to Goliath or a human partner.
Overall, "Goliath" is a complex and introspective song that combines biblical and personal imagery to explore the themes of identity, attachment, and change. It may resonate with listeners who have struggled with addiction, mental health, or self-esteem issues, or who have had to let go of someone or something that was once a part of their life. The subdued and melancholic tone of the music, featuring acoustic guitars, bass, drums, and occasional strings, reinforces the introspective and emotional nature of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Goliath, stay a little bit longer
I want you to stick around for a while because your presence is prominent and significant
His giant's frame leaves imprints
Goliath's physical size and strength leave a lasting impression on everything he touches or encounters
Make mine the same, a little less shoulder
I aspire to have the same commanding presence as Goliath, but with less of an apparent burden or responsibility
It's a nice day to set you free, to set you free
I believe it's an opportune time to let Goliath go and release him from any obligations or ties
You lost your way
You have deviated from your intended path and are no longer on the right track
Goliath, wait a little bit longer
I'm asking Goliath to hold on a bit longer and not leave just yet
What I've got to say, you won't read in print
I have something to communicate to Goliath that can't be conveyed through text or writing
This conversation just gets shorter
Our talk is becoming brief and interrupted, making it hard to get everything across
You say it's over
You've communicated that the situation or relationship has ended
Contributed by Jayce W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.