Shortly after Cold Chisel both defined and popularized the sound of Austral… Read Full Bio ↴Shortly after Cold Chisel both defined and popularized the sound of Australian pub rock, the Choirboys formed in Sydney's Northern Beaches. Singer Mark Gable, guitarist Brad Carr, and drummer Lindsay Tebbutt performed around Sydney's pub scene for several years through the early '80s before one of their demos fell into the hands of George Young of the Easybeats. Together with Harry Vanda he produced the Choirboys' self-titled debut album in 1983. "Never Gonna Die," their first single, made it to the Top 20 of the national charts. While touring, Gable ruptured his vocal chords and the band were forced into hiatus, unable to capitalize on their sudden popularity for three years.

When they re-emerged in 1987 with new guitarist Brett Williams and a new album called Big Bad Noise things continued as if they'd never been gone. The album eventually went double platinum and its lead single "Run to Paradise" became the biggest hit of their career, remaining a soundtrack for football games and backyard barbecues for decades to come. Big Bad Noise's other singles, "Struggletown" and "Boys Will Be Boys" both charted as well. This success afforded them the chance to travel to Los Angeles in 1991 to record their follow-up album, Midnight Sun, but like all of their later releases it didn't repeat the success of Big Bad Noise. That year they also recorded a live album, Dead Drunk Live Hangovers, at a concert in Melbourne. Richard Lara of the Screaming Jets and Barton Price of the Models joined the band on guitar and drums respectively in 1996, when they released two albums, Dancing on the Grave of Rock 'N' Roll and Yo Yo. Price left to be replaced by Paul Wheeler of fellow pub rock legends Icehouse before their 2004 album, Evolver. That year they had a bigger hit when Mark Gable contributed a new vocal take for a remix of "Run to Paradise" by Nick Skitz, a DJ known for making minimal changes to pop hits of yesteryear to turn them into dance hits of today. The single, credited to Nick Skitz vs. the Choirboys, went platinum. In 2007 they released their tenth album, So Easy.

Guilty
Choirboys Lyrics

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Have to have a good time, you have to play the game
Yes, they'd like to sue you, but you'll never change
Go ahead and brag about it
Congratulations, 'cause you're
Guilty, guilty as charged
Whohoh, you're so
Guilty, guilty as charged
Yeah, you're so guilty

...Guilty

Seated in the courtroom, every face you known
All of us accomplices, so you won't stand alone
By your leave, your honor, a statement from the box that says:
Guilty, guilty as charged
Whohoh, you're so
Guilty, guilty as charged
Yeah

Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.

Guilty, guilty as charged
Whohoh, you're so
Guilty, guilty as charged
Yeah

You're so
Ohohohohoh
You're so responsible
You're the one, you're the one, you're the one
Ohohohohoh
'Cause you're so guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty

Ohohohohoh
You're so guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Guilty" by Choirboys describe the consequences of engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior. The first verse is a warning that although having a good time can be fun, it can also lead to trouble. Playing games with people's feelings may result in being sued, and although you may not change your ways, you will be guilty of your actions. The chorus reinforces this idea, acknowledging that being guilty of wrongdoing is the reality: "Whohoh, you're so guilty, guilty as charged."

The second verse puts the singer in a courtroom setting where everyone they know is present, watching as the defendant takes the stand. The defendant implies that everyone in the room is involved in some way, making them all accomplices. The defendant then confesses to their wrongdoing, taking responsibility for their actions and admitting to being guilty. The chorus is repeated, reiterating the idea that regardless of the consequences, the defendant cannot deny their guilt.

The song conveys a strong message about accountability and owning up to one's mistakes. The lyrics suggest that being guilty is not always a bad thing, as it shows a willingness to take responsibility for one's actions. The song warns listeners to think twice before engaging in reckless behavior and to face the consequences when they do.

Line by Line Meaning

Have to have a good time, you have to play the game
Being happy and enjoying oneself is essential, but it requires complying with the norms.

Yes, they'd like to sue you, but you'll never change
People may hold judgments against someone, but that person's character remains the same.

Go ahead and brag about it
Feel free to talk excessively about your achievements.

Congratulations, 'cause you're Guilty, guilty as charged Whohoh, you're so Guilty, guilty as charged Yeah, you're so guilty ...Guilty
You have been convicted of wrongdoing and should be held accountable.

Seated in the courtroom, every face you known All of us accomplices, so you won't stand alone
In the courtroom, the people that were involved in your wrongdoing, including your allies, are present to support you.

By your leave, your honor, a statement from the box that says: Guilty, guilty as charged Whohoh, you're so Guilty, guilty as charged Yeah
A remorseful admission of guilt is stated in the box in the court.

Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.
Repetition highlights the severity of their wrongdoing.

You're so Ohohohohoh You're so responsible You're the one, you're the one, you're the one
The cause of the wrongdoing and the responsibility for it lies solely with you.

Ohohohohoh 'Cause you're so guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty Ohohohohoh You're so guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty
The guilt for the wrongdoing is undeniable and repeated consent emphasizes it.

Writer(s): Mark Gable, Lindsay Tebbutt, Ian Hulme

Contributed by Zachary L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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