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)
I Was the One
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kiss me, I don't know why.
You were always beautiful when you closed your eyes.
Leave now, while we still can.
Let's not wait until it all gets out of hand.
You're looking for a criminal, well, I'm a guilty man.
I was the one.
Maybe we tried just a little too hard.
You don't have to blame yourself,
You always played your part.
I was the one.
I was.
Darling, look at us now, look at us now
History won't put us down, won't put us down
Don't let anybody say you could have worked it out.
I was the one.
The Hoodoo Gurus' song "I Was the One" is a melancholic break-up song that features heartfelt lyrics and a driving rock beat. The song's narrative portrays a couple who have reached the end of their relationship and are now parting ways. The opening lines, "Darling, this is goodbye. Kiss me, I don't know why," suggest a sense of resignation and sadness as the couple prepares to say their final farewells. The singer then goes on to tell his partner that he knows she is "looking for a criminal," and that "he is a guilty man" - this may refer to the end of the relationship, which may have been caused by his own actions.
As the song progresses, the singer takes responsibility for the end of the relationship, telling his partner, "We were wrong from the start. Maybe we tried just a little too hard." This self-reflective attitude allows him to comfort his partner by acknowledging that she is not to blame, stating that she "always played her part." The song's chorus is powerful and emotionally charged, with the singer repeating the line "I was the one" multiple times. This suggests that he is taking full responsibility for the end of the relationship and acknowledging the pain that he has caused his partner.
Overall, "I Was the One" is a poignant and heartfelt song that captures the emotional turmoil of a relationship that has come to an end. The song's lyrics are powerful and moving, with the singer taking responsibility for his actions and acknowledging the hurt that he has caused his partner. The song's rock-infused sound provides a driving beat that perfectly complements the song's emotional intensity, making it a stand-out track in the Hoodoo Gurus' discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, this is goodbye.
I am ending this relationship for good.
Kiss me, I don't know why.
Despite the reason for breakup, kiss me one last time.
You were always beautiful when you closed your eyes.
I remember you looking most beautiful when you closed your eyes in ecstasy.
Leave now, while we still can.
Let's leave this relationship while we still can, without hurting each other further.
Let's not wait until it all gets out of hand.
We know the relationship is already strained, let's not make it worse.
You're looking for a criminal, well, I'm a guilty man.
You may blame me for the breakup, and I accept it wholeheartedly.
We were wrong from the start
We shouldn't have started this relationship in the first place.
Maybe we tried just a little too hard.
We gave too much effort even if it wasn't a perfect match.
You don't have to blame yourself,
It's not your fault we didn't work out.
You always played your part.
You did everything you could in this relationship.
I was the one.
I admit that I failed in this relationship.
Darling, look at us now, look at us now
We're both walking away from this relationship, aware it's not working.
History won't put us down, won't put us down
Although this love affair failed, it doesn't mean our past experiences are in vain.
Don't let anybody say you could have worked it out.
Don't let others have an opinion on our failed relationship.
I was the one.
I bear the responsibility for the failure of our relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE FAULKNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
edgardo gregorini
This band put a smile upon my face
John Werner
I think Hoodoo Gurus are in my top ten rock bands of all-time. I simply can't understand why they weren't absolutely huge. But then I've often thought that of The Smithereens. The music business is a cruel and fickle mistress alright.
Rich Brothers
Loved them in college 20 years ago and I appreciate them all the more now. A Truly Great Band!
Cath C
I was craving this song, an x threw Cd's at me, been going through cd's again-can't find my fav's. Love you Utube! Go the Gurus!!!
bearmanmr
I have only been to Ausy once - live in England - in 1988 - I bought this album in vinyl then - great album - great song
kel Robins
Best loudest live band ever great memories
Flaming Flashback
I've just discovered a truly great band. Please tour Europe.
stephen brunt
total true words .... sadly when things are over ....
Alan Funt
Dave is a talent. They all are...
blahblah 110
The best band in the planet