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)
Gospel Train
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free trip to heaven - no time to explain
All aboard the gospel train!
All non-believers can go straight to hell.
Rival religions I condemn as well.
Non- believers go to hell,
They can take the rest as well.
The hours were too long and the pay was low.
Rock 'n' roller long ago.
I sinned in every way that's known to man,
I sure raised hell, but it was in God's plan.
Every sin that's known to man.
Must have been in God's plan.
(All aboard the gospel train, its leaving soon)
Now I'm a christian with a tale to tell,
I'd give it freely but I'm forced to sell.
Yes, I have a tale to tell.
I am a businessman in Jesus' name-
"Give unto Caesar", and give me the same!
Businessman in Jesus' name,
All aboard the gospel train!
The Hoodoo Gurus song "Gospel Train" is a satirical take on the concept of religion, particularly Christianity. The song portrays the gospel train as a free ride to heaven for believers, with no time to explain or argue. The lyrics seem to be directed at those who do not believe in Christianity, condemning them to hell. The chorus emphasizes the exclusivity of Christianity, stating that only believers can board the gospel train.
The verses are sung from the perspective of a former rock 'n' roller who has now become a Christian. He claims to have sinned in every way possible, but that it was all part of God's plan. He then becomes a businessman in Jesus' name, playing off the idea of prosperity gospel, where preachers claim that faith can bring financial success. The singer acknowledges this and asks for people to give him money in the same way Caesar collected tribute.
Overall, the song seems to be mocking the concept of religion and the exclusivity of Christianity. It is an interesting commentary on the role of religion in society and the idea of using faith for personal gain.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey pilgrim, climb aboard the gospel train-
Join the Christian faith and be saved.
Free trip to heaven - no time to explain
A promise of eternal life in heaven for those who join, without much explanation of the faith.
All aboard the gospel train!
An invocation to join the Christian faith.
All non-believers can go straight to hell.
Non-believers are condemned to eternal punishment in hell.
Rival religions I condemn as well.
Other religions are also condemned as false.
I was a rock 'n' roller long ago.
The singer used to be a musician playing rock 'n' roll.
The hours were too long and the pay was low.
The music industry is not a good career choice with long hours and low pay.
Rock 'n' roller long ago.
Once a rock 'n' roll musician.
I sinned in every way that's known to man,
The singer engaged in various immoral activities.
I sure raised hell, but it was in God's plan.
Despite the singer's immoral activities, everything was part of God's plan.
Every sin that's known to man.
The singer has committed every possible sin.
Must have been in God's plan.
The singer believes God has a plan for everything.
Now I'm a christian with a tale to tell,
The singer is now a Christian and has a story to share.
I'd give it freely but I'm forced to sell.
Despite wanting to share the faith without payment, the singer is forced to sell it like a business.
Yes, I have a tale to tell.
The singer has a story related to their faith.
I am a businessman in Jesus' name-
The singer is in the business of selling the Christian faith.
"Give unto Caesar", and give me the same!
A reference to Jesus' words on giving to Caesar what is his, and the singer's desire for the same treatment as a businessman selling the faith.
Businessman in Jesus' name,
The singer is a Christian businessman.
All aboard the gospel train!
An invitation to join the Christian faith.
Contributed by Gavin T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.