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 Mighty Have Fallen
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The mighty have fallen.
They're knocking 'em down.
Open season.
There's just no pleasin',
It's practically treason to win in this town.
I never wanted to be
How low, how low, how low can you go?
Bad relations. Sad occasions.
Unfriendly persuasion. "Just look at the time!"
False impressions. Endless questions.
The least indiscretions are capital crime.
Though you're important to me
You don't get open sesame.
How low, how low, how low can you go?
But you're no better than me.
Don't tell me how it's meant to be.
How low, how low, how low can you go?
The song "The Mighty Have Fallen" by Hoodoo Gurus can be interpreted as a critique of the cutthroat nature of success and fame in modern society. The first verse talks about how the powerful and influential people in society are being taken down by others who want to rise to the top. It almost seems as if it's becoming a sport to bring down the mighty, and no one is safe. The singer of the song recognizes this trend, but laments the fact that it's practically impossible to win in this town. The second verse refers to the fact that once someone is successful, their every move is interrogated and scrutinized. Any small mistake could lead to their downfall. The singer is frustrated by this, claiming that even the smallest indiscretions are considered capital crimes. They refuse to conform to the norms of society and become a part of the "petite bourgeoisie", a reference to the middle class.
The chorus asks the question, "how low can you go?" which can be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be asking how low people will sink to bring others down, or how low one can go in terms of social status. The following lines refer to the negative aspects of success - bad relations, false impressions, and endless questions. The singer makes it clear that they are not interested in playing this game and reject the notion that they are somehow less than those who have succeeded. They refuse to let anyone tell them how things are meant to be.
Overall, "The Mighty Have Fallen" can be seen as a warning against the dangers of seeking fame and success in a society that values cutthroat competition over genuine talent and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
We were talking and remarking,
We were discussing and commenting on something.
The mighty have fallen.
Those in power or high status have lost their position or influence.
They're knocking 'em down.
Someone is deliberately causing those in power or high status to lose their position or influence.
Open season.
There is no restriction or limit on what can be done to those in power or high status.
There's just no pleasin',
It is impossible to satisfy everyone.
It's practically treason to win in this town.
Winning or succeeding is not appreciated or valued in this place, and may even be seen as a betrayal.
I never wanted to be
I did not aspire to become.
Part of their petite bourgeoisie.
A member of the lower middle class, who may emulate or aspire to the lifestyle and values of the wealthy.
How low, how low, how low can you go?
How much worse can things get?
Bad relations. Sad occasions.
Negative experiences and events that bring sorrow.
Unfriendly persuasion. "Just look at the time!"
Coercion or pressure applied in a hostile or unwelcoming way. The excuse of looking at the time is used to end the conversation or interaction.
False impressions. Endless questions.
Misleading or incorrect ideas or beliefs. Continuous and repetitive inquiries or doubts.
The least indiscretions are capital crime.
Even minor mistakes or faults are severely punished, as if they were serious offenses.
Though you're important to me
Even though I value and care for you.
You don't get open sesame.
You do not have automatic access or privileges.
But you're no better than me.
We have equal worth or abilities.
Don't tell me how it's meant to be.
Don't try to dictate my beliefs or fate.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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