Neil Finn and Paul Hester decided to form a new band during the Split Enz farewell tour 'Enz with a Bang'. Nick Seymour approached Finn during the after party for the Melbourne show and asked if he could try out for this new band. The first incarnation of the band, The Mullanes, formed in Melbourne in 1985 and also included guitarist Craig Hooper, formerly of The Reels. They secured a record contract with Capitol Records and moved to Los Angeles, at which time Hooper left the band. At the label's behest, the band changed its name to "Crowded House," which alluded to the cramped quarters the three members shared at an apartment in North Sycamore Street in West Hollywood during the recording of the album. They also invited former Split Enz keyboard player Eddie Rayner to join, and he produced the track "Can't Carry On" for the debut self-titled album. He initially joined them on tour in 1988 on keyboards, but had to leave for family reasons before he could be made a full member.
Bursting onto the international scene in 1987 with Don't Dream It's Over from the album Crowded House, the band seemed destined for greatness. However, despite eking out one more hit from the album, Something So Strong, the follow up Temple of Low Men failed to repeat its commercial success, despite critical acclaim. Radio had a hard time categorizing them, but within the industry they quickly gained a stellar reputation as "musicians' musicians", and outside the industry as one of the best live acts, featuring mixed setlists and improvisations. A set of three shows at one venue would often feature less than half the the songs being played more than once.
It wasn't until 1991's Woodface that the band hit international success again, specifically with the jointly written Finn brothers track Weather With You.
In fact, the album that emerged wasn't the one originally proposed. Neil had been working on a side project with his brother Tim Finn, a solo artist in his own right and former Split Enz frontman (in fact, several members had a history in Split Enz - Tim formed the band and Neil was responsible for their biggest hit I Got You, while Paul Hester was the drummer during their final days). When the record company rejected the material he'd composed for the third Crowded House album Neil asked his brother if he could use some of their songs in their place. Tim agreed, allegedly joking he would only do so if he could join the band. Whether or not Neil took this literally, Tim did indeed become the fourth member of Crowded House during the Woodface phase.
Whilst Weather With You became an international hit, particularly in the UK (where it was followed by smaller chart successes for Four Seasons in One Day and It's Only Natural), in the US, at least, history didn't repeat - a situation some put down to the choice of Chocolate Cake - a scathing attack on the American lifestyle - as the first single.
During touring in the UK, Tim was asked to leave the band. Mark Hart joined the band for their next album. Together Alone was a similar international success and the band even managed to score a minor hit in the US with Locked Out after it featured on the soundtrack for the Winona Ryder flick Reality Bites.
Shortly after, Paul Hester decided to leave, although he did return to record three new tracks for a Best Of... compilation, Recurring Dream. By 1996, however, Neil decided to fold the band, choosing instead to focus on a solo career. The band's final concert, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, was an emotional and memorable event, and has been captured on the DVD / CD Farewell to the World.
A B-sides compilation, entitled Afterglow, was released in 1999.
Paul Hester died tragically in 2005 when he committed suicide in Melbourne, Australia.
January 2007 brought a surprise announcement that Crowded House would be re-forming. Frontman Neil Finn once again linked up with Nick Seymour and Mark Hart and, after picking up Beck's drummer Matt Sherrod to replace Paul Hester, produced a new album entitled Time on Earth.
Members of the band include frontman and guitarist Neil Finn, bassist Nick Seymour (brother of Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour), drummer Paul Hester (1986-1994), Tim Finn (1990-91), multi-instrumentalist and Supertramp recruit Mark Hart (1993-), session drummer Peter Jones (1994-1996) and new drummer Matt Sherrod (2007-).
The Frenz web site launched a new Crowded House portal in 2007 where old and new fans of the band can keep up to date with news of new releases and tour plans.
Mansion In The Slums
Crowded House Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than a mansion in the slums
The taste of success only lasts you
Half an hour or less
But it loves you when it comes
And you laugh at yourself
While you're bleeding to death
I'd much rather have a trampoline in my front room
I wish I was a million miles away
From the manager's door
There is trouble at the bank
You laugh at yourself
As you go deep into debt
Laugh at yourself
While he's breathing down your neck
Who can stop me
With money in my pocket
Sometimes I get it free
The best of both worlds
I'd much rather have a caravan in the hills
I'd much rather have a mansion...in the hills
Than a mansion in the slums
Yeah I'd much rather
What I mean is, would you mind if I had it all
I'll take it when it comes
And you laugh at yourself
While you're bleeding to death
And somebody else is always
Breathing down your neck
Laugh at yourself
While he's hanging over your head
The best of both worlds
It'll soon be over
The lyrics of Crowded House's "Mansion In The Slums" are a reflection on the paradox of success - how it can bring material wealth but not necessarily happiness, and how it often comes at a cost. The first verse contrasts the idea of a mansion in the slums with a cavern in the hills, suggesting that material possessions aren't everything. The taste of success may be temporary, and the singer would rather have something simple and fun like a trampoline than an expensive and isolating isolation tank. The second verse reflects on the pressure and stress that come with success, with the manager's door representing the gateway to financial trouble. The singer acknowledges the absurdity of their situation, laughing at themselves while "bleeding to death" financially.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd much rather have a cavern in the hills
I would prefer a small cave or shelter in the hills rather than a large house in a poor and overcrowded area.
Than a mansion in the slums
I would rather have a simple and modest dwelling in a serene environment than a huge and luxurious house in a disadvantaged, dilapidated neighborhood.
The taste of success only lasts you
The feeling of achieving something big and meaningful in life is usually brief and fleeting.
Half an hour or less
It doesn't take long for a victorious feeling to fade away.
But it loves you when it comes
Despite its transience, success still brings joy and satisfaction.
And you laugh at yourself
You can find humor in your own misfortunes and mistakes.
While you're bleeding to death
Even when you're struggling or failing, you can still find something to smile about.
I'd much rather have a trampoline in my front room
I would prefer to have a playful and fun item like a trampoline in my living room than an equipment intended for solitary confinement, like an isolation tank.
Than an isolation tank
I would not want to be confined in an uncomfortable and isolated space.
I wish I was a million miles away
I yearn to be completely detached and distanced from my current situation.
From the manager's door
I want to avoid any interaction or confrontation with my boss or supervisor.
There is trouble at the bank
There are financial problems or concerns that are causing stress and anxiety.
You laugh at yourself
You can still find humor in your own hardship or misery.
As you go deep into debt
Despite the logical and financial consequences of your actions, you still find a way to cope and smile.
While he's breathing down your neck
While your creditors or people you owe money to are pressuring you to pay up.
Who can stop me
I feel like there is no one who can restrict me or curb my freedom.
With money in my pocket
As long as I have enough money to sustain myself and do what I want, I feel empowered and unstoppable.
Sometimes I get it free
Occasionally, I am able to obtain things or experiences without having to pay for them, providing me with a sense of gratification and luck.
The best of both worlds
I want to have the advantages and conveniences of both wealth and freedom.
It'll soon be over
This current period of struggle or hardship will come to an end, and things will eventually look up.
I'd much rather have a caravan in the hills
I would prefer a modest and mobile trailer or vehicle in a picturesque and peaceful area.
I'd much rather have a mansion...in the hills
Even if I had to choose a bigger and more luxurious dwelling, I would still prefer it to be in a calm and nature-filled location.
Yeah I'd much rather
Definitely and without a doubt, that is my preference.
What I mean is, would you mind if I had it all
What I am trying to express is, would you be bothered or jealous if I had everything I desired and more?
I'll take it when it comes
I will accept and embrace any opportunity or blessing that comes my way.
And somebody else is always
There is always someone else who seems to be more successful, wealthy, or content in life.
Breathing down your neck
They might be pressuring you or making you feel inferior or unsuccessful.
While he's hanging over your head
While other people's judgments, expectations, or standards are affecting you and causing you stress or unease.
Laugh at yourself
You can still find humor and lightheartedness amidst moments of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: NEIL MULLANE FINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tony Stanton
on Mean To Me
The lyrics for this song are not correct.