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)
The Generation Gap
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
When you see a little baby
See it lying in it's momma's lap
It's just the beginning of a thing called
The generation gap
Everybody's talking 'bout
It's all those no no's that they call
The generation gap
While the grown ups go out now
They go to parties and get stoned
But that's something they don't talk about
In front of the children at home
But they ain't fooling anybody now
'Coz those kids are gonna find it out
Yeah it's just another reason for a thing
Called the generation gap
Well the generation gap is a mighty mighty big hole
And you ain't gonna fill it up with all those
Lies that's bein' told
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
You better shut your trap
If you expect to narrow
The generation gap
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
Preacher says drinking is a sin
That we'll have to pay for
But tell me, what's that liqour bottle
Doing on the dash of his car
And who's the man who calls Daddy
Every time that Momma's out
Well do you still wonder why we have
That generation gap?
The generation gap is a mighty mighty big hole
And you ain't gonna fill it up with all those
Lies that's bein' told
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
You better shut your trap
If you want to help to close
That generation gap
The generation gap is a mighty mighty big hole
And you ain't gonna fill it up with all those
Lies that's bein' told
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
You better button your lip
Or else you're gonna lose yourself
On your own generation trip
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
Wa-wa-wa-waa-waa
The Hoodoo Gurus' "The Generation Gap" tackles the issue of communication and understanding between generations. The song starts by describing the very beginning of life, where a baby is seen lying in its mother's lap. From there, the lyrics mention the concept of the generation gap, which is not really about age differences, but rather the perception of what is acceptable and what is not.
The generation gap is characterized by the "no nos" imposed by older generations on the young ones, while they themselves engage in questionable behaviors such as partying and getting stoned. This creates a huge gap in communication between generations, ultimately resulting in a lack of trust and understanding. The song highlights how lies contribute to the widening of this gap, and how it is almost impossible to fill it up without honesty and genuine communication.
The lyrics are a call to action for people to take a step back, listen to each other, and close the gap. This means being truthful about their actions, eliminating prejudices, and working towards a shared understanding. The song ends by emphasizing that it's important for everyone, regardless of age, to be mindful of their actions and their impact on the future.
Line by Line Meaning
When you see a little baby
See it lying in it's momma's lap
It's just the beginning of a thing called
The generation gap
Observing a newborn in its mother's arms highlights the start of a generational divide.
It's not the difference of age now
Everybody's talking 'bout
It's all those no no's that they call
The generation gap
The gap between generations isn't necessarily based on age, but rather on differing attitudes and behaviors that are deemed unacceptable by previous generations.
While the grown ups go out now
They go to parties and get stoned
But that's something they don't talk about
In front of the children at home
Parents often engage in behaviors they prohibit in their children, such as using drugs and alcohol, but they keep their secrets concealed from their kids.
But they ain't fooling anybody now
'Coz those kids are gonna find it out
Yeah it's just another reason for a thing
Called the generation gap
Parents' misguided attempts to hide their vices backfires when children inevitably discover the truth, reinforcing the emergence of a generational rift.
Preacher says drinking is a sin
That we'll have to pay for
But tell me, what's that liqour bottle
Doing on the dash of his car
The hypocrisy of religious leaders is exposed when they denounce certain behaviors as sinful but indulge in those same behaviors themselves, like preaching against alcohol while keeping a bottle in their own car.
And who's the man who calls Daddy
Every time that Momma's out
Well do you still wonder why we have
That generation gap?
Parents' infidelity and illicit affairs are key factors contributing to the growing divide between generations.
You better shut your trap
If you expect to narrow
The generation gap
To bridge the gap between generations, one must refrain from criticizing and belittling those from other age groups.
You better button your lip
Or else you're gonna lose yourself
On your own generation trip
If you can't keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself, you'll alienate yourself from others and remain trapped in your own narrow worldview.
Writer(s): Betty Craig, Jim Hayner, Charlie Craig
Contributed by Zachary V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kirk Marlow
Hoo doo gurus ! We still need you ! Come and tour the states. Can't keep biteing the bullet. May the Father bless you. And be with you and all of Mankind. 🙏 You and all Down Under are Coming Up SCREAMING. I will not Consent.
John Moore
Hoodoo's Rock and so do Roy and HG
Alan Strom
This is an interesting Cover version.
i bought the 7" vinyl of this rip snorter of a Rocksong
Wilson Evans
Charlie Craig must be smiling!
russell vanzanten
Awsome!
maria camila machado almeida
This song was written by American songwritters Betty and Charlie Craig. I got in touch with Mr. Craig before he passed , he did not know the band had recorded the song ! We became e mail friends for some time . He was a gentleman, a loving father and grandpa, proud of his family. He fought cancer bravely and tomorrow will be a day to remember his deep blue eyes, fantastic voice and innumerable hits. I Hope Dawn, Kyle and his brother are healthy.
Greetings from southern Brasil, Brazilian teacher and fan .
sexobscura
WAHWAHWAHWAHWAHWAH