The original lineup was notable for having three guitars and no bass player, creating a distinctive, layered sound. Kimble Rendall left in 1982 before the release of their first single, Leilani, and went on to become a noted music video director. He was effectively replaced by bassist Clyde Bramley. Radalj was not happy with Rendall's departure or Faulkner's increasing influence, and left the band himself, to be replaced by one-time Fun Things guitarist Brad Shepherd. This line-up released the band's break-through first album, Stoneage Romeos, in 1984.
In 1998, the band officially split but reformed for occasional concerts in subsequent years. A full-fledged reunion came in 2004, when they released Mach Schau and began touring again. The band received another boost when Come Anytime (from 1989's Magnum Cum Louder) was used as the theme song to the Australian TV show Thank God You're Here.
Discography:
Stoneage Romeos (1984), Mars Needs Guitars! (1985), Blow Your Cool! (1987), Magnum Cum Louder (1989), Kinky (1991), Crank (1994), Blue Cave (1996), Mach Schau (2004), Purity of Essence (2010)
Compilations:
Electric Soup (1992), Gorilla Biscuit (1992), Electric Chair (1998), Armchair Gurus (1998), Bite The Bullet (1998), Ampology (2000)
Turn On
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No Satisfaction, Sky Pilot, Sky Saxon.
That's what I like.
Blitzkrieg Bop to the Jailhouse Rock
Stop Stop Stop At The Hop do the Bluejean Bop.
That's what I like.
Better get off my cloud 'cause two's a crowd,
I'm gonna work it on out, I'm gonna Twist & Shout.
I'm gonna Ride A White Swan and Get it on,
Let's all turn on!
Born To Lose those Summertime Blues
In Blue Suede Shoes, Le Hoodoo Gurus.
That's what I like.
Waiting for My Man, baby, Can The Can,
I Wanna Hold Your Hand, remember Sam The Sham?
That's what I like!
When You Walk in The Room, Sunny Afternoon,
A-Wop-Bop A-Loo-Bop, A-Lop-Bam-Boom
That's what I like.
I like Sugar, Sugar, Talk, Talk, Money, Honey, Boardwalk
Who wears Short Shorts? (We wear Short Shorts!)
That's what I like!
Turn on.
The opening verse of Hoodoo Gurus' "Turn On" is an eclectic mix of various song titles from different eras and genres, including rock and roll, punk, and psychedelic rock, that are strung together to create a joyful celebration of music. The list ranges from classics such as "Jailhouse Rock," "Twist and Shout," and "Blue Suede Shoes," to lesser-known tracks like "Sky Pilot" and "Psychotic Reaction." The chorus, "That's what I like," serves as a unifying refrain that ties together the various musical references, emphasizing the singer's love for all types of music that can "turn on" the senses.
The second verse continues with the same upbeat energy, referencing more classic rock songs such as the Rolling Stones' "Get Off My Cloud" and T. Rex's "Ride a White Swan." But it also includes nods to more obscure tracks and artists like "Can the Can" by Suzi Quatro and "Waiting for My Man" by The Velvet Underground. The verse ends with a playful reference to Sam the Sham, the frontman for the group Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, who had a hit in 1965 with the song "Wooly Bully."
The final verse brings together even more musical references, spanning from The Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," to The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop," to the classic pop song "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies. Overall, "Turn On" is a joyful celebration of music that celebrates the power of music to bring people together, regardless of genre or era.
Line by Line Meaning
Shake Some Action, Psychotic Reaction,
No Satisfaction, Sky Pilot, Sky Saxon.
That's what I like.
I enjoy energetic and intense music like that of Shake Some Action and Psychotic Reaction. I'm not easily satisfied and gravitate towards artists like Sky Pilot and Sky Saxon.
Blitzkrieg Bop to the Jailhouse Rock
Stop Stop Stop At The Hop do the Bluejean Bop.
That's what I like.
I love a wide variety of rock and roll music, such as the high-energy Blitzkrieg Bop all the way to the more classic Jailhouse Rock. I enjoy dancing to upbeat songs like Stop Stop Stop At The Hop and the Bluejean Bop.
Better get off my cloud 'cause two's a crowd,
Better get off the phone - there's nobody home.
I'm gonna work it on out, I'm gonna Twist & Shout.
I'm gonna Ride A White Swan and Get it on,
Let's all turn on!
I don't need anyone else to bring me down from my happy place, so it's best to avoid invading my space. I'm going to let loose and dance my worries away, even if I have to do it alone. I'm inspired to embrace my sensual side and invite others to join me.
Born To Lose those Summertime Blues
In Blue Suede Shoes, Le Hoodoo Gurus.
That's what I like.
I appreciate music that speaks to the sadness and struggle of life, such as Born To Lose and Summertime Blues. I also appreciate the style of Le Hoodoo Gurus and the classic song, Blue Suede Shoes.
Waiting for My Man, baby, Can The Can,
I Wanna Hold Your Hand, remember Sam The Sham?
That's what I like!
I enjoy a range of different songs and artists, including Waiting for My Man and Can The Can. I also appreciate classic hits like I Wanna Hold Your Hand and the unique sound of Sam The Sham.
When You Walk in The Room, Sunny Afternoon,
A-Wop-Bop A-Loo-Bop, A-Lop-Bam-Boom
That's what I like.
I'm drawn to the catchy melodies of songs like When You Walk in The Room and Sunny Afternoon. I also enjoy classic rock and roll phrases like A-Wop-Bop A-Loo-Bop, A-Lop-Bam-Boom.
I like Sugar, Sugar, Talk, Talk, Money, Honey, Boardwalk
Who wears Short Shorts? (We wear Short Shorts!)
That's what I like!
I have a love for upbeat music and lyrics that are easy to sing along to, such as Sugar, Sugar and Talk, Talk. I also appreciate moments of nostalgia, like memories of the Boardwalk and wearing Short Shorts.
Turn on.
Let's get excited and inspired, and embrace the power of music.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES BAKER, DARCY CONDON, DAVE FAULKNER, RODNEY RADALJ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind