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
So Your News Can Reach Me
Big Heavy Stuff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The truth to me, I'll tell you mine as well
And I stupidly keep it to myself
And if I should scream, hold on tight and yell
Hurl abuse at me and whisper sweet and heartfelt
And I'll run like hell so your news can reach me
Tell you shouldn't keep it, keep it to yourself
But I stupidly keep it to myself
And now you should scream, hold on tight and yell, yell
Hurl abuse at me and whisper sweet and heartfelt
And I'll run like hell so your news can reach me
So your news can reach me
Now you want a surprise, use both your hands
And uncover your eyes and see
Are you awake past midnight until you are blank?
Or until daylight, until daylight?
Then I'll run like hell so you news can reach me
So you news can reach me
So you news can reach me
In "So Your News Can Reach Me" by Big Heavy Stuff, the singer seems to be yearning for better communication with someone. The lyrics express a desire for honesty, even if it means hearing something unpleasant ("Hurl abuse at me and whisper sweet and heartfelt"). The singer acknowledges that they themselves have been holding back the truth as well. The chorus, "And I'll run like hell so your news can reach me," suggests that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to receive this much-needed communication.
The second verse emphasizes the importance of body language and nonverbal cues in communication ("Now if looks could be just enough to tell / Tell you shouldn't keep it, keep it to yourself"). The bridge introduces a sense of mystery and clandestine behavior, asking if the other person is "awake past midnight until you are blank" and implying that they may be hiding something.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggle for open, honest communication in a relationship, and the anxiety and confusion that can arise when that communication is lacking.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if you could speak, then you might tell
If you were able to express yourself, you might share the truth with me
The truth to me, I'll tell you mine as well
If you shared the truth with me, I would reciprocate by sharing my truth with you
And I stupidly keep it to myself
Even though I know I should share my feelings, I keep them hidden
And if I should scream, hold on tight and yell
If I become emotional and express my feelings, please hold onto me and yell back
Hurl abuse at me and whisper sweet and heartfelt
Whether you criticize me or give me loving words, I will take it all
And I'll run like hell so your news can reach me
I will make sure to be available to hear your news, even if it requires me to run quickly
Now if looks could be just enough to tell
If one's emotions were easy to read from their appearance alone
Tell you shouldn't keep it, keep it to yourself
I would advise you to share your feelings, rather than keeping them hidden
But I stupidly keep it to myself
Ironically, I don't always take my own advice and often keep things to myself
And now you should scream, hold on tight and yell, yell
Now it is your turn to express your emotions, and we will be there for each other
Now you want a surprise, use both your hands
If you are looking for an unexpected experience or revelation, use both hands to uncover it
And uncover your eyes and see
Once you are ready, open your eyes to truly see and understand
Are you awake past midnight until you are blank?
Do you stay up all night until you are mentally exhausted and devoid of thoughts?
Or until daylight, until daylight?
Or do you continue into the next day, seeking clarity until the sun rises?
Then I'll run like hell so your news can reach me
If you have news to share after your period of contemplation, I will be there to hear it
So you news can reach me
I am eager and willing to receive your news, whatever it may be
So you news can reach me
I am reaffirming my willingness and readiness to hear whatever news you have
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.