Their first release, and best known song was "The Bridge", which was produced by U2's Bono, and released on their Mother Records label. They toured the UK with The Cult in 1985 and signed to MCA Records.[1] They performed at the Self Aid concert in Dublin on 17 May 1986. The band released their debut album, Urban Beaches in 1986 and gained impact hits with its three singles: "Years Later", "Worlds Apart" and a re-recording of "The Bridge". The respected music reference site "AllMusic.com" gave Urban Beaches 4.5 out of 5 All three singles reached the UK Singles Chart.[2] After their second album, No Shelter, was shelved in 1989, the band were released from their recording contract and underwent several personnel changes. MacAindris and Sheehy both quit in 1989. McEvoy and Kearns continued for a few more years, with various other band members coming and going, including Chris McGoldrick (bass), John Doyle (bass) and JJ Collier (drums).
After leaving Cactus World News, Sheehy went on to record and tour with Ronnie Wood, Bo Diddley, Robert Palmer, Michelle Shocked, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Carl Carlton, Hinterland, Dave-Id Busarus and Hothouse Flowers (appearing on both Born and Live). Sheehy currently plays with the Canadian songwriter Jeff Martin. Kearns (using the name Francis Xavier) released a solo album, Walking The Waves (2005), which featured both Sheehy and McEvoy.
It was announced in June 2011 that Cactus World News are to reform after 20 years (with the exception of Eoin McEvoy who has other commitments) in order to support Simple Minds in Kerry, Ireland on 30 July 2011.
February 2015 saw the band announce a Pledge page campaign to release Found, a collection of very rare and previously unreleased tracks.
Albums
Urban Beaches (MCG 6005, 1986; re-released with extra tracks 2001) - UK No. 56
Live - Spin Magazine Concert Series (MCA L33-17202, US 1986)
No Shelter (1989, MCA; unreleased until 2004)
Singles
"The Bridge" (1985, Mother)
"Years Later" (MCA, 1986) - UK No. 59
"Worlds Apart" (MCA, 1986) - UK No. 58
"The Bridge" (MCA, 1986) - UK No. 74
"Rebound" (MCA, 1989)
"Town Like This" (MCA, 1989)
"Don't Let Me Down" (Rainbow, 1990)[2]
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Cactus World News Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold out the windows, dig in hard shoulder
You're coming out, to give yourself
To give yourself a fighting chance
I've seen those eyes, I know that face
So many search for a resting place
Just give me a word and that's all I need
Making plans by the 19
Taking action by the noon time
A lonely search in silent halls
Hunters brought around
Wounded in the night by the moon,
Enemy who brings in death
By wearing a 100 different masks
The time is closing all around
Your light is small, but I let it shine that much brighter
Every time, every time
Every time I look to you
(Guitar solo)
I can't embrace, and I love that cause
Throw away the old and creep the emergency
With all you got with all you can give
With all that you have now
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
Time has come, time is right
(Sooner or later that time will come
Soooner or later that time will come)
The lyrics of "State of Emergency" by Cactus World News are about a time of change and the need to take action. The opening lines suggest that it's a time for both contemplation and preparation. The idea of "digging in hard shoulder," implies readiness for a fight or struggle. The song's narrator, presumably the lead singer, has seen so many people looking for a resting place, a respite from the stress and turmoil of life. This person is reaching out to offer help and support, but they need a single word of encouragement to keep going.
The second verse talks about a search in "silent halls" and the presence of an unseen enemy who wears "a hundred different masks". The imagery is quite intense, suggesting a hunt or a fight that takes place in an almost surreal environment. The chorus is an anthem of sorts, repeating the phrase "time has come, time is right" as though urging people to seize the moment and take action. In the final verse, the singer admits that they can't embrace the other person, but they love that they can "creep the emergency" together. This may be a metaphor for taking a calculated risk or making a bold move.
Overall, "State of Emergency" is a song about readiness, both for the challenges of life and the need for political action. It combines a sense of urgency with a sense of hope, urging listeners to stay alert and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
A time of change, a time to rest
This is a moment of transformation, a chance to take a break and gather strength for the coming challenges.
Hold out the windows, dig in hard shoulder
Be ready to fight and hold your ground, even if it means putting up physical resistance.
You're coming out, to give yourself
It's time to take a stand and make a sacrifice for what you believe in.
To give yourself a fighting chance
This is an opportunity to improve your situation, but you need to actively strive for it or you may not succeed.
I've seen those eyes, I know that face
I recognize the look of desperation and hopelessness on people's faces, which motivates me to act.
So many search for a resting place
Many people are struggling and seeking refuge or safety from the chaos and danger around them.
Just give me a word and that's all I need
All it takes is a signal or command for me to spring into action and do what I must.
No time to lose, and I've wasted too much already
There's no room for delay or hesitation anymore, I've already spent too much time waiting and hoping for things to improve on their own.
Making plans by the 19
I'm strategizing and preparing for action, perhaps with a specific deadline or timeframe in mind.
Taking action by the noon time
I'm planning to act swiftly and decisively, and the timing is crucial for maximum impact.
A lonely search in silent halls
This is a difficult and possibly dangerous quest, undertaken alone and in deserted places.
Hunters brought around
Enemies or adversaries are lurking nearby, poised to attack or harm.
Wounded in the night by the moon
This is a time of vulnerability and danger, when even the natural cycles or signs can betray and harm.
Enemy who brings in death
There are people or forces working against us, and their actions or intentions could have fatal consequences.
By wearing a 100 different masks
The danger comes from many sources and is often disguised or hidden, making it hard to discern or defeat.
The time is closing all around
The situation is becoming more urgent and critical, with fewer options or possibilities.
Your light is small, but I let it shine that much brighter
Even if the odds are against us and the light of hope seems weak, we should still do our best to inspire and uplift others around us.
Every time, every time
In every moment or situation, this attitude applies.
Every time I look to you
In moments of difficulty or despair, you can still find hope and strength by looking to someone or something that inspires you.
(Guitar solo)
This is an instrumental section that adds emotional emphasis to the song's themes and message.
I can't embrace, and I love that cause
I can't accept or conform to the current state of affairs, and this rebellion fuels my passion and purpose.
Throw away the old and creep the emergency
To break free from the oppressive and stagnant status quo, we need to embrace a new and risky approach or strategy.
With all you got with all you can give
We need to put forth all our energy and resources, giving everything we've got to succeed.
With all that you have now
We have to make the most of what we already possess, and not wait for something better or more favorable to come along.
Time has come, time is right (x10)
The repeated lines emphasize that the moment for action has arrived, and we should seize it without delay or excuses.
(Sooner or later that time will come
Soooner or later that time will come)
This refrain reminds us that change and upheaval are inevitable, and we should prepare ourselves to face them with courage and determination.
Contributed by Jake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.