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)
Chop
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This wonderful inner glow
I want you to feel it too.
Here's the thing that you should do.
Charlie Pride is just outside to take you for a ride
I can't cop too much chop
Somebody starts copping it.
I've gotta start stopping it soon
Soon. I've gotta stop soon
One minute you're white as chalk
Then suddenly you must talk
Tell me all about yourself
You can think of nothing else
All you know is you're on show
Let everybody blow
I can't cop too much chop
Somebody starts copping it.
Out on top, too much cop
I've gotta start stopping it soon
Soon. I've gotta stop soon
Feeling fine, just get in line
If you are a friend of mine
Ride your sleigh, it's Christmas Day
Everything's OK
I can't cop too much chop
Somebody starts copping it.
Out on top, too much cop
I've gotta start stopping it soon
Soon. I've gotta stop soon
The Hoodoo Gurus’ song “Chop” has lyrics that allude to drug use, relationship dynamics, and being overwhelmed. The first verse appears to be addressed to someone who is beautiful and has an inner glow, but may not be aware of it. The singer invites this person to feel the glow too, and advises that Charlie Pride is just outside to take them for a ride. The use of the phrase “take you for a ride” could imply that the song is about drug use, with Charlie Pride being a reference to marijuana. The line “I can’t cop too much chop” reinforces the drug interpretation in street slang, “cop” refers to buying drugs while “chop” often refers to cocaine.
In the second verse, the singer describes a person who goes from being quiet and reserved, “white as chalk,” to suddenly needing to talk excessively about themselves. The person is on show, and everyone is blowing in the sense of showing support for them. The verse could be interpreted to describe someone who is struggling with addiction or anxiety, and acts out by being very talkative in order to distract from their issues.
The refrain repeated throughout the song is “I can’t cop too much chop, somebody starts copping it, out on top, too much cop, I’ve gotta start stopping it soon.” While the drug interpretation is clear, the larger meaning of the phrase can be applied more generally to any destructive behavior. The singer is admitting that they cannot handle the behavior they are engaging in or being surrounded by, and that it is time to start stopping it. It’s a message that can apply to substance abuse, codependency, or any other problematic behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
You're beautiful, don't you know?
The singer wants the person to know how appealing they are.
This wonderful inner glow
The person radiates positivity.
I want you to feel it too.
The singer desires the person to feel positive.
Here's the thing that you should do.
The artist states that they have advice for the person.
Charlie Pride is just outside to take you for a ride
There is a celebrity outside waiting to take the person out.
I can't cop too much chop
The singer can't handle too much commotion around them.
Somebody starts copping it.
Someone inevitably causes a problem.
Out on top, too much cop
When people are competing for attention, it can lead to an overwhelming and stressful environment.
I've gotta start stopping it soon
The artist realizes they need to put an end to the madness.
Soon. I've gotta stop soon
The artist feels a sense of urgency to put an end to the chaos.
One minute you're white as chalk
People can experience sudden changes in emotions.
Then suddenly you must talk
People feel the need to share their thoughts and feelings.
Tell me all about yourself
The singer wants to know more about the person.
You can think of nothing else
The person is preoccupied with their thoughts and feelings.
All you know is you're on show
The person feels like they are being judged or evaluated.
Let everybody blow
The artist encourages people to express themselves.
Feeling fine, just get in line
The artist feels good and is ready to proceed.
If you are a friend of mine
The singer is addressing their friends.
Ride your sleigh, it's Christmas Day
It's a festive time and people should enjoy it.
Everything's OK
Everything is going well.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE FAULKNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind