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)
Sour Grapes
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You get a lot of that nowadays
People putting you down
Busy sucking on sour grapes
They oughta know by now
Can't they get through their heads
I am not what they think I am
Can't they get it through their heads
I am not what they think?
Even though their sights are low
I'm keeping my aim high
Let them go
Run your own show
And keep your powder dry
They say it takes all kind
But to me it seems such a waste
'cause it's the bitterest kind of wine
I don't know how they can stand it's taste
They oughta know by now
I ain't gonna jump through hoops
Just to please anyone
Even though their sights are low
I'm keeping my aim high
They don't know their eyes are closed
But mine are open wide
Yeah. Oh, yeah
They oughta know by now
I ain't gonna lose much sleep
When they'll wake up to themselves
They oughta know by now
I ain't gonna lose much sleep
When they'll wake up
When will they wake up?
Even though their sights are low
I'm keeping my aim high
Let them go
Run your own show
And keep your powder dry
The Hoodoo Gurus' "Sour Grapes" is a song about dealing with jealousy and overcoming haters. The song expresses how nowadays people tend to talk down to others and how it's become common for them to "suck on sour grapes" (meaning that they are always negative). The singer is frustrated by this behavior and is tired of trying to please everyone. He wants people to understand that he is not who they think he is just because of what they hear.
The lyrics show that the singer is taking a positive approach to dealing with negativity. He is keeping his aim high and running his own show, rather than letting other people's bitterness bring him down. He encourages others to do the same and to keep their powder (emotions and reactions) dry. The song rightfully questions why people waste their time and energy on bitterness and negative feelings, instead of focusing on positivity and growth.
In summary, the song advises listeners to not let other people's bitterness bring them down and instead to focus on their own path to success. The lyrics encourage staying true to oneself and not conforming to fit in with the expectations of others.
Line by Line Meaning
You get a lot of that now
Nowadays, it's common for people to criticize and put others down.
People putting you down
People criticize and demean individuals for various reasons.
Busy sucking on sour grapes
These people are envious and consumed by jealousy.
They oughta know by now
It's about time those individuals understand and realize the truth.
Can't they get it through their heads
Why can't they understand this simple fact?
I am not what they think?
I am not the inferior person they perceive me to be.
Even though their sights are low
Despite the limited aspirations of these people.
I'm keeping my aim high
I have big goals and I'm staying focused on achieving them.
Let them go
Don't worry about those critics, ignore them and move on.
Run your own show
Focus on what you can control, your own actions.
And keep your powder dry
Be ready and prepared for any challenge that may arise.
They say it takes all kind
People often believe it's necessary to have a diverse group of individuals.
But to me, it seems such a waste
But in my opinion, some people are not worth the time and effort.
'Cause it's the bitterest kind of wine
Because the jealousy and envy displayed by some individuals is very unpleasant to experience.
I don't know how they can stand its taste
I don't understand how they can tolerate such negative emotions.
I ain't gonna jump through hoops
I won't go through unreasonable or unnecessary actions to satisfy others' needs.
Just to please anyone
Especially if it means sacrificing my own values or goals.
They don't know their eyes are closed
These individuals are not aware of their own shortcomings.
But mine are open wide
In contrast, I'm fully aware of who I am, my strengths and weaknesses.
I ain't gonna lose much sleep
I won't stress out about what others think, it's their problem not mine.
When they'll wake up to themselves
Eventually they will realize their own mistakes and shortcomings.
When will they wake up?
This is a question, asking when exactly will they realize the truth?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE FAULKNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind