The band was already established in 1994 by Rümenapp, Ude and Poschwatta, when the vocalist Sandra Nasic joined later that year. They recorded 3 demo tapes, but their career took off in 1996 after winning the Local Hero contest for unsigned bands. They used the prize money for recording their first hit "Open Your Eyes" and shot a video for that song. They also signed to GUN/Supersonic Records.
"Open Your Eyes" was released as a single (#5 GER) and was followed by their debut album Proud Like a God in 6 October 1997. The album ranked #4 and it was certified platinum in Germany. Two other singles helped the album's popularity and sales: "Rain" (#76 GER) and "Lords of the Boards" (#10 GER). "Lord of the Boards" is performed as the closing song on every Guano Apes concert.
In 1999, they issued the stand alone single "Don't You Turn Your Back on Me" (# 50 GER).
In 2 May 2000, Guano Apes released the sophomore album, Don't Give Me Names. This #1 album in Germany was certifed gold in the same country and it was promoted by four singles: "Big in Japan" (#9 GER, #5 IT), "No Speech" (#75 GER), "Living in a Lie" (#84 GER) and "Dödel Up" (#57 GER).
In 2001, the band credited as Guano Babes featuring Michael Mittermeier, issued the stand alone single "Kumba Yo!" (#3 GER).
Their third album Walking on a Thin Line was released in 3 February 2003. The album peaked #1 and it was certified gold in Germany. Guano Apes released three singles from this album: "You Can't Stop Me" (#10 GER), "Pretty in Scarlet" (#51 GER) and "Quietly" (#51 GER).
After the very long promo tour to the WOATL album, the band decided to take a rest for a while. In 2004 they issued a Best Of album titled Planet of the Apes and the single "Break the Line". The band broke up after a final tour in February 2005. A year later, their label released the compilation Lost (T)apes, which contains previously unreleased demos, originally recorded in 1994 and 1995.
Dennis Poschwatta formed the crossover band Tamoto with his friend G-Ball and released the album Clemenza. Henning Rümenapp worked for Horus Studios in Germany. Sandra Nasic released her solo album The Signal in 2007. In 2006 Dennis, Henning and Stefan formed a new group with singer Charles Simmons, called IO. IO realeased their studio album For the Masses in 2008.
In 2009 Guano Apes reformed and played some dates including Enterro da Gata (Portugal), Rock am Ring (Germany), Nova Rock (Austria), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bucharest (Romania). In Bucharest, Sandra announced the band is working on a new studio album.
Their fourth album Bel Air was released in Spring 2011, preceded by the single "Oh What a Night".
Official site: http://www.guanoapes.org
Get Busy
Guano Apes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I am getting older
What I need is a man by my shoulder
What I am
What you are
Alright, I'm sick of your lying there
Look at me; look at me growing colder
What I am
What you are
Alright, I'm sick of your lying there
And when you lie there
Why must I lie there?
Why am I... why am I feeling stronger?
Now the days and the nights getting longer
What I am
What you are
Alright, I'm sick of your lying there
And when you lie there
Why must I lie there?
But I try to survive in a whore's dress
Something I'm getting out there keeps me god-blessed
My mother told me
Priest just told me
Too fast and you'll spend your whole life paying out
My brother's getting sicker, sicker
While my pretty sister sits there
Bitchin' about her figure
Time to move and get away
Get away, and open up to your freedom today
And when you lie there
Why must I lie there?
The lyrics of "Get Busy" by Guano Apes are introspective and reflect the struggles of the singer. The song begins with the singer acknowledging the reality of growing older and the need for companionship, but also the frustration with the constant lying and deceit from their partner. The singer proceeds to express their growing frustration with the situation of being stuck in a stagnant relationship where there is no emotional growth or change as time passes. They become more resolute in wanting to break free from the cycle, despite the challenges that come along the way. The lyrics also touch on how society tries to control and dictate a person's life, with the singer mentioning the advice from their family, but ultimately encouraging listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace personal freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
What I am
I am a person with needs and desires.
What I am getting older
As time passes, I am growing older and changing.
What I need is a man by my shoulder
I desire a partner to support and accompany me.
What you are
You are also a person with your own thoughts and feelings.
Alright, I'm sick of your lying there
I'm tired of you being untruthful and passive.
Look at me; look at me growing colder
I am becoming increasingly distant and less emotional.
Everyday, I get a little bolder
I am gaining bravery and confidence.
And when you lie there
When you are being inactive and uninvolved.
Why must I lie there?
Why do I have to suffer the consequences of your actions?
Why am I... why am I feeling stronger?
I am questioning why I am becoming more resolute and empowered.
Now the days and the nights getting longer
As time passes, the moments seem to drag on.
But I try to survive in a whore's dress
I am attempting to adapt and thrive in difficult circumstances.
Something I'm getting out there keeps me god-blessed
I am finding strength and solace in something beyond myself.
My mother told me Priest just told me
I have received advice and guidance from my family and religion.
Too fast and you'll spend your whole life paying out
If you rush into things, you will face negative consequences for a long time.
My brother's getting sicker, sicker
My sibling is becoming increasingly unwell.
While my pretty sister sits there
My attractive sibling is inactive and uninvolved.
Bitchin' about her figure
She is complaining about her appearance.
Time to move and get away
It is time to leave and create distance from negative influences.
Get away, and open up to your freedom today
Escape from confinement and embrace your independence now.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DENNIS POSCHWATTA, HENNING RUEMENAPP, SANDRA NASIC, STEFAN UDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind