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.
Private Universe
Crowded House Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Promise of love is hard to ignore
Who said the chance wasn't getting any better
Labor of love is ours to endure
Highest branch on the apple tree
It was my favorite place to be
I could hear them breaking free
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
It feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
I have all I want, is that simple enough?
A whole lot more I'm thinking of
Every night about six o'clock
Birds come back to the pond to talk
They talk to me, birds to talk to me
If I go down on my knees
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
It feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
And it's a pleasure that I have known
And it's a treasure that I have gained
And it's a pleasure that I have known
It's a tight squeeze, but I won't let go
Time is on the table and the dinner's cold
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
The song "Private Universe" by Crowded House evokes a sense of loneliness and longing for a private world where nothing else matters except the love between two people. The lyrics convey the idea that the world is full of distractions and chaos, but in the intimacy of a private universe, there can be peace and tranquility. The opening lines of the song, "No time, no place to talk about the weather, promise of love is hard to ignore" suggests a sense of urgency, as if the couple is aware that they may not have much time to enjoy their private universe.
The imagery used in the song is symbolic of the longing for a private space. The highest branch on an apple tree, the spot where the singer likes to be, suggests a yearning for a lofty and elevated place where he can escape the chaos of the world below. The line, "If I go down on my knees," implies a wish to humble oneself in order to enter this private universe.
The chorus of the song, "I will run for shelter, endless summer lift the curse, feels like nothing matters in our private universe" repeats the idea that this universe is a place of refuge where the distractions and chaos of the outside world are left behind. Overall, the song is a romantic tribute to the power of love and the human need for a space to call our own.
Line by Line Meaning
No time, no place to talk about the weather
We don't have the right setting to have a conversation about the lighter things in life.
Promise of love is hard to ignore
When someone tells you that they love you, it's important to take their words seriously.
Who said the chance wasn't getting any better
Despite what others may say, there's always a chance for things to improve.
Labor of love is ours to endure
Love is hard work, but it's something that we're willing to go through together.
Highest branch on the apple tree
In a place of high elevation, I found great joy and peace.
It was my favorite place to be
Being high up was my preferred location.
I could hear them breaking free
I could hear the sounds of liberation and freedom.
But they could not see me
Those experiencing freedom were not aware that I was nearby.
I will run for shelter
I'm going to look for a safe place to escape to.
Endless summer lift the curse
The joy of summer helps to overcome any negative feelings.
It feels like nothing matters
In this private world, nothing else seems important.
In our private universe
This world belongs to us alone.
I have all I want, is that simple enough?
I am content with what I have, is that not enough?
A whole lot more I'm thinking of
While I may be content, I still have other desires and wishes.
Every night about six o'clock
Consistently at this time, something happens.
Birds come back to the pond to talk
The birds return to the pond where I am to have their conversations.
They talk to me, birds to talk to me
I am the one that the birds are talking to.
If I go down on my knees
I am willing to humble myself to communicate with the birds.
And it's a pleasure that I have known
I've experienced some delightful moments.
And it's a treasure that I have gained
I have something valuable to hold onto.
It's a tight squeeze, but I won't let go
It may be challenging, but I won't back down.
Time is on the table and the dinner's cold
We've put time on hold while dealing with the serious matters at hand.
Feels like nothing matters
In our own private universe, nothing else seems important.
In our private universe
This world belongs to us alone.
I will run for shelter
I'm going to look for a safe place to escape to.
Endless summer lift the curse
The joy of summer helps to overcome any negative feelings.
Feels like nothing matters
In our own private universe, nothing else seems important.
In our private universe
This world belongs to us alone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: NEIL MULLANE FINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J PS
No time, no place to talk about the weather
Promise of love is hard to ignore
Who said the chance wasn't getting any better
Labor of love is ours to endure
Highest branch on the apple tree
It was my favorite place to be
I could hear them breaking free
But they could not see me
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
It feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
I have all I want, is that simple enough?
A whole lot more I'm thinking of
Every night about six o'clock
Birds come back to the pond to talk
They talk to me, birds to talk to me
If I go down on my knees
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
It feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
And it's a pleasure that I have known
And it's a treasure that I have gained
And it's a pleasure that I have known
It's a tight squeeze, but I won't let go
Time is on the table and the dinner's cold
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
I will run for shelter
Endless summer lift the curse
Feels like nothing matters
In our private universe
fabulousredhead
Love how atmospheric this one is. Deserves to be listened to in a dark room lit only by a few candles.
trikifran
Absolutly agree
SamValiant
This is, always has been, and always will be my favorite Crowded House song. Possibly my favorite song period.
Keith Jones
I wouldn't say that it's my favourite song, but it's definitely my favourite Crowded House track, always loved it.
Marina González Fernández
Me too!
jml2621
Up there with Four Seasons in One Day.
jeremy king
SamValiant me too
Matthew Bannon
Same mate. I found it on an old Ipad from my uncle. My dad caught me playing it and said that I was listening to a great song. It is always me return to song
CatsMeowPaw
I just returned from the beginning of Crowded House's new tour for 2022, in Adelaide. I must say Neil Finn's vocals sounded superb. Many performers his age start to get croaky, wavering voices, but Neil's voice sounds great. Keep up the great work!
Private Universe was my favourite song of the night.
tony bird
Cheers Neil, your music has been the soundtrack to most of my life. Much appreciated