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)
Use-By Date
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did some forgiving, so how am I living?
Feels okay, cause it much ...
The fact that I′m breathing
That some people ...
My use by date says I'm no good to them anymore
But I won't be around and you don′t need the sound
Watch and learn, see the crash and burn
I don't mind admitting, it hasn′t been pretty
I done time, guilty but no crime
I'm ... the witness, ... of the sickness
My use by date says I′m no good to them anymore
But I won't be around and you don′t need the sound
And I ain't laid down, cause I did a crime
Keep on counting the days
To the next ... craze,
One that is a ... that will all be amazed
Yeah, truly amazed,
My use by date says I'm no good to them anymore
But it′s too late, I can′t observe the ...
The lyrics of "Use-By Date" by Hoodoo Gurus talks about a person who has learned to forgive and move on in life. The person feels much better because they are breathing and some people around them are missing the point of their existence. The song describes the dilemma of the singer who is no longer useful to the people they used to be in service or friendship with. However, the singer is not ready to give up yet and is determined to prove their worth irrespective of their use-by date.
The song also talks about the singer's journey, how they have gone through tough times, done wrong, but have learned from their mistakes. They have not given up and do not plan to lay down. The song further urges the listener to learn from their experience and not fall into the same trap. They ask people to keep counting the days until the next big thing happens and shakes everyone's life for good.
Overall, the song conveys a message of hope and resilience, which speaks to people who feel lost or left alone. It encourages people to not give up and keep fighting until the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't you heard, I've been...
Are you not aware that I have been...
Did some forgiving, so how am I living?
I have forgiven someone, so I wonder how it has affected my life
Feels okay, cause it much...
I feel okay because I have done a lot
The fact that I'm breathing
The only reason I am alive is that I am breathing
That some people...
There are some people who...
My use by date says I'm no good to them anymore
In the eyes of some people, I have passed my prime and am no longer useful to them
But I won't be around and you don't need the sound
Even though I won't be there, it won't matter to you as you won't need me
And I ain't laid down
And I haven't given up yet
Watch and learn, see the crash and burn
Observe and learn from the disaster that unfolds
I don't mind admitting, it hasn't been pretty
I am not reluctant to say that it hasn't been pleasant
I done time, guilty but no crime
I have served my time, but I was not guilty of any crime
I'm ... the witness, ... of the sickness
I am the witness of the sickness that prevails
Keep on counting the days
Continue to count the days
To the next... craze,
Until the next craze arrives
One that is a... that will all be amazed
One that is unique that will impress everyone
Yeah, truly amazed,
Yes, they will truly be amazed
But it's too late, I can't observe the ...
But it is too late, and I won't be able to witness it
Writer(s): Dave Faulkner
Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.