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)
You
Hoodoo Gurus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She said she was always mine
Then she left (as people do,)
And forgets what we've been through
(Does this sound familiar to you ?)
It's not that she's gone away
It's the things I hear she has got to say
About me - and about my friends
That's her: I'll never believe her again.
She might have deceived all my friends
I know they will see in the end
What it all means when she says (Yeah!)
I want you back (She says)
But what's worse: She thinks it's true
But that's just her (She always was a little bit confused!)
She's not worth the time I had to lose.
The Hoodoo Gurus' song "You" is a catchy, upbeat rock song that tells the familiar tale of a breakup and the aftermath that follows. The opening lines set the scene: the singer is reflecting on a past love who, at one time, claimed to always be theirs. However, the relationship ended, and the singer is left with bitter feelings when they hear rumors about what their ex-partner is saying about them to mutual friends. The chorus then kicks in, with the singer declaring that they will never trust their former lover again, despite her attempts to rekindle the romance by saying she wants him back.
What makes "You" stand out is the Hoodoo Gurus' use of juxtaposition - while the lyrics detail a breakup, the music is upbeat and almost joyful. Moreover, the lyrics are delivered with a sense of irony and humor that's typical of the band's style, making it a track about lost love that you can dance to. Additionally, the lyrics offer a relatable reflection on post-breakup feelings - the singer's bitterness and resentment towards their ex-partner, along with the feeling of being betrayed by mutual friends who take their ex-partner's side.
Line by Line Meaning
I can still recall the time
I remember when she was with me
She said she was always mine
She promised to always be mine
Then she left (as people do,)
Like many do, she left me
And forgets what we've been through
She acts like she doesn't remember our shared experiences
(Does this sound familiar to you ?)
Have you been through something similar?
It's not that she's gone away
She's still around
It's the things I hear she has got to say
I hear that she talks badly about me
About me - and about my friends
She talks bad about me and my friends
When we've got no defence.
We can't defend ourselves against her words
That's her: I'll never believe her again.
I don't trust her anymore
She might have deceived all my friends
She could have lied to my friends
I know they will see in the end
My friends will eventually see through her lies
What it all means when she says (Yeah!)
Her words don't have any true meaning
I want you back (She says)
She claims she wants me back
But what's worse: She thinks it's true
She believes her own lies
But that's just her (She always was a little bit confused!)
That's just how she is, confused
She's not worth the time I had to lose.
I don't want to waste any more time on her
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group,
Written by: DAG KRISTER Volle, Martin Karl Sandberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stu Peters
Hoodoo Gurus ...everysong is a winner they are the kings of Power Pop and should have been bigger and shown more respect , hands down the best Pub gig I have ever seen, Aussie Rock icons
Robert Horsburgh
Such an exciting time in the gurus history, great song and magnificent album.
Neil Campbell
Should have had a lot more airplay for such a great song. Good to see Brad Sheppard get to be main Vocal & Guitarist while giving Dave Faulkner a rest!
glen king
Great group. Guitar, singer, bass and drummer. Well underestimated. Style of their own. Best Aus pop rock band ever I would firmly say.
Troy Masters
Great song. Top shelf without a doubt.
Debonaire Nerd
Hoodoo Gurus are what happens when you find yourself somewhere between Crowded House and Motorhead, not knowing which way to turn.
Colemann76
Underrated
A Person
Man I love the Gurus so much but this song always made me think it belonged in a tv jingle for some fast food chain.
GoodMrDawes
Awesome
Val BEAN
How f*cking good's this song?!!!!!