The band's upbeat approach, solid songwriting, and unique sound allowed them to quickly develop a dedicated following on the touring circuit. Bringing together rock, jazz, folk, celtic and jam-band influences under one umbrella, rooted in Todd Sheaffer's inspired songwriting, From Good Homes forged their own, instantly lovable music Their feel-good vibe prompted one critic to affectionately label the band's blend of influences as "Hick-Pop". They made fans want to kick on the dancin' shoes from day one. As the band members themselves have stated: "We wanted first and foremost to make a real and honest form of music that moved people (both their brains and their butts) and left them, over all, feeling good."
The early 90s saw the band touring regularly up and down the East Coast, soon expanding their circuit to Colorado and other regions. The fan base grew, and the gigs got bigger and bigger. During this period, FGH would frequently perform with other up-and-coming acts, including Hootie & The Blowfish, Dave Matthews Band, and Blues Traveller (all of whom opened shows for them at one point or another). 1994 was a breakthrough year for From Good Homes. In the summer, they released their indie debut - the appropriately titled "Hick-Pop Comin' At Ya" - on their own GRRRrrrr Records label. They also signed a major label deal with RCA Records, and began an annual tradition - a summer concert before thousands of eager hometown fans at Stanhope, NJ's Waterloo Village. With an enthusiastic and ever-growing fan base, and a record deal in place, the future looked bright for the group.
"Open Up The Sky", From Good Homes' major label debut on RCA Records, was released in April, 1995 and the band embarked on a year-long national tour, opening arena dates for Dave Matthews Band, Ratdog, and others, while also headlining many club dates. Two of the band's songs were included in the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox release "Picture Perfect", (featuring Jennifer Aniston & Kevin Bacon). "Open Up The Sky" was followed up with the release of a live EP ("Live At Waterloo") in 1997, and the self-titled "From Good Homes" (1998). In 1998, From Good Homes received an achievement award from Billboard and Irving Plaza for the most consecutive sold-out performances ever (12) at this respected NYC venue.
Parting ways with RCA at the end of 1998, From Good Homes commenced work on a new album during the winter of 1998/1999, but the band decided to call it quits before the project could be fully completed. From Good Homes' swan song was a Farewell performance at Waterloo Village - where they had performed to frenzied crowds every summer since 1994. On August 7, 1999 some 5,000 people turned up to see the band off in style, as FGH worked its way through 3 hours of classic material. The show was professionally recorded for posterity. After multiple encores, the band bid its goodbyes to their loyal following.
Since 1999, the band members have all embarked on their own successful projects, releasing solo records, producing other artists, fronting new bands, etc.
Singer/guitarist/songwriter Todd Sheaffer (www.ToddSheaffer.com) launched a solo career and now also fronts the popular Railroad Earth (www.RailroadEarth.com)
Bassist Brady Rymer (www.RymerSongs.com) released a children's record ("Good Morning Gus").
Drummer Patrick Fitzsimmons (www.PatrickFitzsimmons.net) released a solo record ("The Changing").
Multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coan continues to gig regularly with various NJ artists.
Saxophonist Dan Myers turned to full-time production work at his NYC studio.
But the fan base has remained intact, refusing to acknowledge the demise of their favorite group. In 2002, From Good Homes has teamed up with Washington DC-based indie label BOS Music (www.bosmusic.com) to release a single-disc version of From Good Homes' farewell performance. Largely comprised of previously unreleased songs, "Take Enough Home" captures the best cuts from the final show on a single disc, while highlighting special songs from throughout the band's illustrious career. The disc also includes a bonus - a previously unreleased studio track.
With other recorded material still 'in the vault' - entire records worth of recordings that have never seen the light of day - it would seem that the fans might be able to anticipate future releases as well. The roots of From Good Homes stretch back 20 years, and during that time the band's music has touched a lot of hearts. Increased interest in the band might indicate a well-deserved continuation and growth of their legacy.
Head
From Good Homes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone in bed
Me, I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Turn on my own head
Me, I'm still out flying
All the world is in darkness
Every light is dead
Me, I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
All my world is in ruin
Every dream is dead
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The lyrics to From Good Homes' song "Head" convey feelings of isolation and confusion in a world that seems to be asleep. The singer speaks of "flying" and trying to "turn on [their] own head," as if searching for clarity and understanding amidst the darkness and ruin in their life. The repetition of the line "me, I'm still out flying" emphasizes the feeling of being separate from others, and the struggle to find one's own path.
The phrase "tryin' to turn on my own head" suggests a desire to think differently or break free from established ways of thinking. However, the repetition of the line also implies that this is a difficult task, and that the singer is still in the process of trying to achieve it. The use of the word "flying" can be interpreted as a metaphor for freedom, but it can also suggest a sort of aimless wandering through life.
The image of a world that is "lying, sleeping" and "in darkness" creates a sense of despair, but the phrase "me, I'll be out flying" suggests a glimmer of hope. Despite the difficulty of trying to turn on their own head, the singer is still willing to fight for their own understanding and sense of self.
Overall, the lyrics to "Head" speak to the universal human experience of feeling lost and alone, and the struggle to find meaning and direction in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
All the world is lying, sleeping
Everyone else is resting while the world remains still and unchanging.
Everyone in bed
Everyone is asleep, unaware of the world around them.
Me, I'm still out flying
The singer is still exploring and seeking new experiences.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The artist is trying to awaken their mind and understand the world better.
All the world is in darkness
The world seems hopelessly lost and without direction.
Every light is dead
There are no sources of inspiration or guidance available.
Me, I'm still out flying
The singer is still searching for meaning and purpose.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The artist is actively seeking knowledge and understanding.
All my world is in ruin
The artist's personal life is in disarray and chaos.
Every dream is dead
All of the artist's hopes and aspirations seem unattainable.
Me, I'll be out flying
Despite the hardships, the singer is still willing to chase their dreams.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The artist is determined to find a way to succeed.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The singer remains focused on their goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the world.
Me, I'll be out flying
The singer is resolute in their journey of personal growth and discovery.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The singer believes that gaining knowledge and understanding is the key to success.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The artist is driven to achieve a state of mental clarity and enlightenment.
Tryin' to turn on my own head
The artist recognizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TODD SHEAFFER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind