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)
Dressed In Black
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know that I am here for you ?
Times, they are tough, sometimes it gets you down
But I'll help with what you want to do
And if you try too hard
You'll only push it too far
We know who you are - a superstar.
Well, there is no argument
So you retreat, hiding your love away
Well, that is no testament
And you could cry yourself a river
I say damn your eyes
You're not such a tragic figure - realise
Here they come, they're all dressed in black
When you've always been your own man
You have a friend, but if you can't look back
Then I'll try to understand
'Cause its surely my concern
That your fire still burns
So we each must take our turn to live and learn.
Do it now.
The Hoodoo Gurus's song "Dressed In Black" is essentially about being there for someone who is struggling or feeling down. The opening lyrics set the tone for the song as the singer recognizes that the person is "dressed in black" and may be going through a tough time. The singer offers to help them in any way they can and recognizes the person's potential by referring to them as a "superstar."
The second verse addresses the person's self-pity and offers a sort of tough-love approach. The singer acknowledges that they have been hurt but encourages them not to retreat or hide their love away, as it is not a testament to their strength. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the support the singer intends to provide for the person.
The bridge introduces the concept of the person being their "own man" and again emphasizes the role of the singer as a friend who will be there for them. The last verse recognizes that everyone must take their turn to "live and learn," they need to get over their pain and keep moving forward. The song ends on a positive note, encouraging the person to take action now.
Line by Line Meaning
Here you come, you're all dressed in black
You are dressed in black and arriving, and I observe that you are here.
Don't you know that I am here for you ?
I am present for the purpose of assisting you, do you not realize this?
Times, they are tough, sometimes it gets you down
The present circumstances are difficult, and at times may be overwhelming.
But I'll help with what you want to do
I am willing to provide aid in the accomplishment of your desires.
And if you try too hard
Attempting excessively may have negative consequences.
You'll only push it too far
Your persistence could be taken too far and therefore be unproductive.
We know who you are - a superstar.
We are fully aware of your identity; you are a celebrity.
You have been hurt, you're sorry for yourself
You have been emotionally injured and are sympathetic to your own feelings.
Well, there is no argument
Your distress is undisputable.
So you retreat, hiding your love away
You withdraw and conceal your affection.
Well, that is no testament
Your actions do not demonstrate anything significant.
And you could cry yourself a river
You could cry an abundant amount of tears.
I say damn your eyes
I disregard your feelings of sadness.
You're not such a tragic figure - realise
You should acknowledge that you are not in such an unfortunate position.
Here they come, they're all dressed in black
There are more people approaching, also wearing black attire.
When you've always been your own man
You have traditionally been independent in your actions and decisions.
You have a friend, but if you can't look back
You possess a companion, but if you are unable to reflect on the past.
Then I'll try to understand
I will make an effort to comprehend your perspective.
'Cause it's surely my concern
It is undoubtedly my responsibility and interest.
That your fire still burns
Your passion continues to exist.
So we each must take our turn to live and learn.
Each one of us must have the opportunity to experience and develop.
Do it now.
Take action immediately.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRAD SHEPHERD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
P M
Bought a car in 1991, drove it across the US...listened to the Kinky album everyday going from coast to coast. This was our favourite song from an incredible album.
Patrick Niehus
probably my favourite song off this album, and one of the best by the Gurus full stop....encapsulates everything I love about these guys....
Ronald Finn
oomph I believe he does as well as Desiree.
oomph
I love it too, was almost wondering if Brad sang this ?
Daniel Suslik Zylbersztejn
One of the best song of this amazing Australian band!
oomph
agree 100%
Duke6564
Not sure why they would re release it cleaned up. Sounds shit.