The group consisted of Les Emmerson, Brian Rading, Ted Gerow, Mike Belanger and Rick Belanger. Originally recording and touring as The Staccatos, they chose the title of their second album (1969) as the new name for the band.
In 1969, the band recorded "Moonshine (Friend of Mine)" for an unsuccessful movie The Moonshine War starring Alan Alda. "Signs" was originally released in 1970 as the B-side to the unsuccessful single "Hello Melinda Goodbye". Re-released in 1971 on the A-side, "Signs" reached number 3 on the Billboard charts. Their second single, "Absolutely Right", reached number 26. Other Canadian hits included "Moneyback Guarantee" and "I'm A Stranger Here".
The group disbanded in 1975 to pursue solo careers. Since 1986, they have continued to reunite for several concerts a year.
This group was known for its strong harmonic vocals—all five members could sing lead vocals—its solid rhythm and classic rock keyboards/guitar sound.
The band would inspire the group Tesla to record a live album in 1990, Five Man Acoustical Jam, which included a cover of "Signs".
History
Ted Gerow (keyboards) Brian Rading (bass) Rick 'Bell' Belanger (drums) Les Emmerson (vocals, guitar) Mike 'Bell' Belanger (2nd drums)
The Staccatos had emerged from the Ottawa scene in the mid-'60's with financial backing from journalist Sandy Gardiner. He helped launch their first release to gain any prominence called "Moved To California". They began to receive more notice with gigs in Toronto's Yorkville Village after the release of "Half Past Midnight" (1967) which became a national hit.
Around this time they hooked up with Coca-Cola Company to share half an LP recorded at Hallmark Studios with The Guess Who called 'A Wild Pair' on Jack Richardson's Nimbus 9 Records. The album was a big seller prompting the band's U.S. label to release "Half Past Midnight" along with a commitment to record new material in L.A. Though they received a lot of hype in California from the record label, the group was seen as being 'too Beach Boy sounding' and The Staccatos records failed.
Taking a cue from their own 1968 2nd album, they soon changed their name to The Five Man Electrical Band in 1969 and commuted back and forth to Los Angeles recording sides for Capitol Records. The first single from this batch was "It Never Rains On Maple Lane".
When their deal with Capitol ended they signed to MGM Records who released "Moonshine (Friend Of Mine)" from the movie 'Moonshine War'. The record did little as did its follow-up "Hello Melinda Goodbye" which featured a b-side called "Signs" which garnered some interest on LA radio. MGM flipped the record over and re-issued it but nothing happened.
In 1971 Five Man Electrical band signed with a little label owned by writer Jimmy Webb and producer Dallas Smith called Lion Records. They re-issued "Signs" from the band's first full album Goodbyes & Butterflies (shortly after changing some cover art) and the single went to No.3 in the U.S. and No.4 in Canada selling more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Later in 1971 they released "Absolutely Right" which went to No.3 in Canada and Top-20 in the U.S. By 1973 they were exhausted and called it quits, though Emmerson continued recording as Five Man Electrical Band until 1975. After this, he remained in California and started a faltering label called Perfect Records. Following this he returned to Ottawa, resumed a solo career (with a brief stint in The Cooper Brothers).
Credit: Wikipedia.org
Signs
Five Man Electrical Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said, "You look like a fine, upstanding, young man, I think you'll do"
So I took off my hat, I said, "Imagine that, huh, me workin' for you?"
Whoa
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
And the sign said anybody caught trespassin' would be shot on sight
So I jumped on the fence and a yelled at the house
"Hey, what gives you the right?"
"To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in"
"If God was here he'd tell you to your face, man, you're some kind of sinner"
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?
You've got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can't even watch, no, you can't eat
You ain't supposed to be here
The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside, ugh
And the sign said, "Everybody welcome, come in, kneel down and pray"
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
I didn't have a penny to pay
So I got me a pen and a paper, and I made up my own little sign
I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine"
Woo
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Sign
Sign, sign
The song "Signs" by Five Man Electrical Band is a protest song against the authoritarianism and conformity embedded in different institutions and establishments of society. The opening lyrics sets the mood, where the singer encounters a sign that says, "Long haired freaky people need not apply". The words demonstrate the discrimination against people with different appearances or lifestyles. The singer obliges, and hides his long hair under his hat, but he later questions the employer's judgment, and sarcastically replies, "imagine that, huh, me workin' for you?" This line portrays the hypocrisy of the employer. They establish strict rules without valuing individuality, and then hire people like the singer, who they previously discriminated against.
The second verse adds more messages where the signs represent the strict laws that control the behavior of the individuals. The line, "everywhere a sign, blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind," indicates the overbearing nature of the signs, which strip off the free will of people. Further, the line "do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?" brings up the question of whether following the signs is always the right solution. Sometimes, people need to question those who make the rules, and challenge the powers that be.
In conclusion, "Signs" by Five Man Electrical Band is a critical song that highlights the need to promote individuality and to resist the authoritarian nature of society's institutions. The song inspires people to question established rules, to value individual differences, and to strive for a society that promotes diversity and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
And the sign said, 'Long-haired freaky people need not apply'
The sign at the entrance told people with unconventional appearances to stay away.
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
The singer disguised himself and approached the person in charge to inquire about the sign.
He said, 'You look like a fine, upstanding, young man, I think you'll do'
The person in charge judged the singer's character rather than his appearance.
So I took off my hat, I said, 'Imagine that, huh, me workin' for you?'
The artist revealed himself, surprised that he could work for someone who discriminates.
And the sign said anybody caught trespassin' would be shot on sight
The sign warned that entering without permission could result in deadly force.
So I jumped on the fence and a yelled at the house 'Hey, what gives you the right?'
The singer challenged the property owner's authority by climbing the fence and shouting at the house.
'To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in'/ 'If God was here he'd tell you to your face, man, you're some kind of sinner'
The singer questioned the propriety of the fence, believing it was hypocritical and against divine law.
Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?
The artist criticized a gatekeeper looking for specific attire, believing it was unreasonable.
'The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside, ugh'
The sign mandated having a membership card to enter, which was a problem for the artist.
And the sign said, 'Everybody welcome, come in, kneel down and pray'
The sign gave an invitation for everybody to join in worship.
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all/ I didn't have a penny to pay
The singer, unable to give a monetary offering, felt excluded despite the sign's welcome.
So I got me a pen and a paper, and I made up my own little sign/ I said, 'Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine'
The artist created their own sign expressing gratitude for being alive and satisfied with their life.
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign/ Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind/ Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
The chorus bemoans the overwhelming number of signs and their impact on mental well-being, as well as the constant commands they give.
Sign
The final repetition of the word 'sign' serves as an outro to the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Les Emmerson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffreybarkin3177
Well...
The FIVE MAN ELECTRICAL BAND today remain TOO MUCH "like a SECRET!"
They're from the Ottawa Valley in YES, "God's Country"!
Did you Know THIS???
Curious...
😂 ❤
@LOTRFAN1
It was devastating to hear Les Emmerson passed away on Dec. 10, 2021.
A great musician and a wonderful person has joined the heavenly choir and left those of us who so admired him at a loss.
I cannot imagine the depth of grief his family and loved ones must be feeling at his most untimely passing.
My sincerest condolences to them and to his legion of fans of which I am one.
Great memories seeing him in concert and having him autograph my records and tee shirt I made up and which he so liked that he had me make one for him and one for this sister.
R.I.P.. Les Emmerson and thanks for the many years of great music that made my teen years so much better and which still bring me great joy these many decades later.
You were and are a supremely talented artist and will be greatly missed but never fear, your legacy lives on in the music you so freely gave and which you imparted with such talent.
Hugs and prayers from one of your devoted fans.
@chriskent3398
The lyrics are just as relevant as they were 50 years go. Nothing changes. Great song.
@cindyreaper6050
Exactly we just keep reacting the same old mistakes in a lil bit different way …
@user-hv4lb1qw4x
👍👍
@Ihavenohandle....
I would love to find out where these guys live and start camping on their property and when they came out and threatened to call the police I would say "well since you are the guys who wrote the song signs and it's about having too many signs and rules I figured you guys wouldn't have a problem with doing what I'm doing but since you're no longer in a desperate situation I guess you no longer care about that and I guess you guys really didn't mean the words you said when you wrote that now hypocritical song." Which is why nobody really likes the baby boomers because they went from do your own thing hippies to just say no and people typically don't like hypocrites.
@christopherfinegan3563
& “paved paradise
& put up parking lot” song still applies.
Another great song.
@mentat1341
You're right. Nothing has changed. Kinda sad.
@orangemikelowrey520
It's 2021, and this song is still wonderful. And I'm 67: still long-haired, freaky, alive and doing fine!
@markhull1366
I'll be 67 in a few months.....all my hair fell out :(
@lindataylor4819
@Mark Hull I'm 69 and look damn good! No kidding.
@roymatteri6566
I will be 69 next month Long hair Ray Bans And Chuck TaylorS and 60s music