In 2003 lead singer Barney Murray left the band. Vocal duties were taken over by guitarist Dugs Mulhooly. Untill 2005 they underwent alot of line up changes, leaving Dugs and Chris (drums) as the only original members. In 2005 they released their third album Cashed Out On Culture, which had more of a punk-edge than their former two.
In 2006, whistle player Alan Confrey died from a heart attack tragically after the band returned home to Dublin after a UK tour with Stiff Little Fingers.
Early 2007 saw the departure of bassplayer and second vocalist Beano.
In december of the same year they supported The Pogues on one of their christmas shows.
Official Website
Unfinished Business
Blood or Whiskey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is where the brute creation play
Something went sour in the space of an hour
And now you're gonna have to pay
Better watch out 'cause they're coming for you
They're gonna take your life away
Gotta go to ground or you're gonna be found In a genuine state of decay
Unfinished business look at the score
Unfinished business keep it in store
'cause it's part of my business plan
What's the plan?
When you look in the mirror do you like what you see
Can you hide the fear behind your eyes
Are they gonna think you're as tough as can be
Or will they see right through your disguise
You never really thought it could happen to you
And now look at the tables are turned
That was your desire just to play with fire
And now you got your fingers burned
The lyrics to Blood or Whiskey's song "Unfinished Business" describe a dark and dangerous scene taking place at the bottom of a derelict street where violent individuals are playing. The singer warns of the consequences of getting mixed up with these dangerous characters, as something went sour in the space of an hour and now someone is going to have to pay. The tone of the song is ominous, with the potential for brutal consequences if one is not careful.
The chorus highlights the theme of unfinished business, emphasizing that the danger and threat is not yet resolved. The second verse is introspective, asking the listener to reflect on their own actions and the consequences that may come with them. The singer perceives fear behind the listener's eyes, but also mentions the possibility of a disguise. The lyrics then offer a twist, implying that the singer is not simply an observer, but someone who has been burned by their own desire to play with fire.
Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting mixed up with violent individuals, while also acknowledging the complexities of human nature and the temptation to seek out danger and excitement.
Line by Line Meaning
Down at the bottom of a derelict street
The setting of this story is in the most abandoned part of the town.
Is where the brute creation play
This place is where the most evil and violent people gather.
Something went sour in the space of an hour
In just an hour, something terrible and unexpected happened.
And now you're gonna have to pay
The artist will have to face the consequences of the event.
Better watch out 'cause they're coming for you
The antagonists are looking for the artist to harm him.
They're gonna take your life away
The antagonists want to kill the singer.
Gotta go to ground or you're gonna be found
The singer must hide and stay out of sight.
In a genuine state of decay
The location the artist is hiding is truly disgusting and rundown.
Unfinished business look at the score
The artist is reflecting upon the unfinished events that led to the current situation.
This is an unfinished business man
The events are unfinished and the artist needs to do something to resolve it.
Unfinished business keep it in store
The singer is planning to take revenge and is keeping his unfinished business in mind.
'cause it's part of my business plan
The artist sees his revenge as a part of his plan.
When you look in the mirror do you like what you see
The singer questions his own reflection and inner self.
Can you hide the fear behind your eyes
The singer is hiding his own fear and anxiety behind his eyes.
Are they gonna think you're as tough as can be
The singer is worried about how others perceive him as someone who is tough.
Or will they see right through your disguise
The artist is putting on a facade and is worried that someone might figure him out.
You never really thought it could happen to you
The artist thought he was invincible and untouchable but now, he is proven wrong.
And now look at the tables are turned
The situation has reversed and the singer is now vulnerable.
That was your desire just to play with fire
The singer intentionally chose to partake in dangerous activities and is now facing the consequences.
And now you got your fingers burned
The artist's actions have led to his downfall and he has been hurt because of it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mariah Lynn
this song reminds me of my first love, i’ve never fully gotten over him. but i found out today that he’s having a baby..
Jenn
That must be very difficult.
I'm sorry. Just be thr happiest YOU can be.
Meghan Howard
love this song!
Clara Bishop
me too!
Kimberly weeks
LOVE it
Jenn
I was promised NO Matter What,. He'd be there, as my friend.
With the world so messed up, I could of used him being there
Vegas moon
Guys promise a lot but they are very very selfish as friends. Once the relationship is over, they don't care about you anymore. They are their 1 and ONLY priority.
milar21
Beautiful.
Steve E
Thought I’d go West but then thought nah, I’ll go back again. 😂😓 smh sad but true.
Angie Sowers
Love this song