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)
Girls On Top
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If the kitchen gets too hot.
Get out while you've got the chance - who's wearing the pants?
Girls on top, boys are not
And while you're still in shock
She's booking the honeymoon.
Prepare for your doom
According to Mills and Boon.
She is your friend. I'll say it again.
She is your friend - but where will it end?
Understand you're a man,
She has got the upper hand.
You'd better be on your guard.
She's making it hard
And she's holding all the cards.
She is your fiend. I'll say it again.
She is your friend - but where will it end?
Where will it end?
Girls on top, boys are not
And when the penny's dropped
Try taking it on the chin.
You better give in
And maybe you'll save your skin.
She is your friend. I'll say it again.
She is your friend. I'll say it again. I'll say it again.
She is your very best friend but where will it end?
Where will it end?
The lyrics to Hoodoo Gurus' song Girls On Top essentially describe a reversal of traditional gender roles - the girls are in control and the boys are not. The first verse "Girls on top, boys are not. If the kitchen gets too hot. Get out while you've got the chance - who's wearing the pants?" suggests that in this scenario, the girls are the ones who hold power and make decisions. The boys are warned to "get out" if things get too heated, implying that they are unable to handle the pressure of being subservient. The line "who's wearing the pants?" also reinforces the idea that the girls are the ones in charge here.
The second verse continues this theme, warning the boys that they need to be on guard because the girls "are holding all the cards". The line "She is your friend - but where will it end?" suggests that the boys are in a precarious position, perhaps being taken advantage of by their female friends or partners who have ulterior motives.
The chorus repeats the idea that the boys need to give in and let the girls have control, or risk "doom" and having to "take it on the chin". The final line, "Where will it end?", leaves the listener wondering whether this reversal of traditional roles is sustainable in the long run or whether it will eventually come to a head.
Overall, Girls On Top is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on gender roles and power dynamics in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Girls on top, boys are not.
Women have the power and control in this particular scenario while men do not.
If the kitchen gets too hot.
If things become too difficult or overwhelming.
Get out while you've got the chance - who's wearing the pants?
Leave before it's too late and before the power dynamic becomes too imbalanced.
And while you're still in shock
While you're still amazed and processing the current situation.
She's booking the honeymoon.
The woman is already planning the next phase of the relationship which the man may not yet be aware of.
Prepare for your doom
Get ready for the worst possible outcome.
According to Mills and Boon.
Referring to the popular romance novels which often center around powerful women and submissive men.
She is your friend. I'll say it again.
The woman in question may be seen as a friend or ally to the man.
She is your friend - but where will it end?
Though she may be a friend, the man is unsure about what her motives and intentions are.
Understand you're a man,
Realize that you are a male and that gender roles and power dynamics come into play.
She has got the upper hand.
The woman has more control and power in the relationship.
You'd better be on your guard.
The man needs to be cautious and watchful of the woman's actions.
She's making it hard
The woman is making the situation difficult and challenging for the man.
And she's holding all the cards.
The woman has all the power and control in the relationship.
She is your fiend. I'll say it again.
The woman could potentially be a foe or enemy to the man instead of a friend.
You better give in
The man should give up or submit to the woman's power and control.
And maybe you'll save your skin.
By submitting to the woman's control, the man may avoid a negative outcome or punishment.
And when the penny's dropped
When the man finally realizes the reality of the situation.
Try taking it on the chin.
Endure the negative consequence without complaint or protest.
She is your very best friend but where will it end?
The man may still view the woman as his friend, but there is uncertainty about where the relationship will ultimately lead.
Where will it end?
The man is questioning the ultimate outcome of the relationship and what the future holds.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE FAULKNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind