After recording their first album, which featured the single Talking to a Stranger, the band traveled to Germany to record with famed producer Conny Plank. In 1984, the band reorganized, adding a three-piece horn section and losing the second guitarist. By 1986, the band's style was moving away from the sweat-drenched rhythmic jams of their early days to a more song-centered aproach centered on Seymour (whose younger brother Nick was a member of Crowded House). Throw Your Arms Around Me was a successful single in many countries.
The band was never able to match the worldwide attention they reached in 1986, though they continued to record with considerable success in Australia, and maintained a loyal fanbase elsewhere.
They broke up in 1998, but returned to play one concert on 14 March 2009 for "Sound Relief" at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which was a multi-venue rock music concert in support of relief for the Victorian Bushfire Crisis.
Hayley's Doorstep
Hunters & Collectors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here is adventure for seven years
But I never could swallow a sinner's pride
And it filled her face with tears
And every Monday morning she spreads her arms across the table
She spreads a mess of living at my feet
But I never could swallow a sinner's pride
And the food she makes me eat
Behind two bloodshot eyes
The stale taste of wasted gunshot
Slap back across the sky
Waiting on Hayley's doorstep
I heard she's coming home
She'll get that pain inside again
And it's me who'll point the bone
And every Monday morning she spreads her arms across the table
She spreads a mess of living at my feet
But I never could swallow a sinner's pride
And the food she makes me eat
Waiting on Hayley's doorstep
Behind two bloodshot eyes
The stale taste, the stale taste of wasted gunshot
Slap back across the sky
Waiting on Hayley's doorstep
I heard she's coming home
She'll get, she'll get that pain inside again
And it's me who'll point the bone
"Hayley's Doorstep" is a poignant and raw song by Hunters and Collectors that reflects on the complexities of relationships and pride. The song paints a picture of a relationship fraught with tension and unresolved feelings. The singer recounts his experiences of being at "change's basement house" and finding "adventure for seven years" but he always struggled to "swallow a sinner's pride." This inability to let go of his ego and humble himself leads to the emotional distress of his partner who ends up in tears.
The song's title refers to Hayley's doorstep, where the singer is waiting for her, hoping to reconcile their relationship. The two bloodshot eyes suggest that he has been waiting for a long time or that he has been crying. The line "the stale taste of wasted gunshot slap back across the sky" is a powerful metaphor for the pain and heartache caused by the relationship's issues. The singer hears that Hayley is coming home but knows that "it's me who'll point the bone," suggesting that he is the one who will cause her further pain.
Overall, "Hayley's Doorstep" is a moving tribute to the complex nature of relationships where pride and ego can get in the way of healing and growth. The song's intense emotions and vivid lyrics make it a memorable and impactful piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Here is change's basement house
This is a place that represents a new beginning, a place where one can make changes in their life.
Here is adventure for seven years
This place offers exciting and unpredictable experiences that can last for a long time.
But I never could swallow a sinner's pride
The singer is unable to let go of their ego and admit their faults or mistakes. They refuse to repent for their wrongdoings.
And it filled her face with tears
The artist's refusal to apologize or admit their mistakes has hurt someone close to them and made them cry.
And every Monday morning she spreads her arms across the table
Every week, the woman in the artist's life makes a gesture of offering or sharing, possibly a meal or her affection.
She spreads a mess of living at my feet
She exposes the singer to the realities of everyday life, showing them the struggles and hardships that come with living.
Waiting on Hayley's doorstep
The singer is anxiously waiting for Hayley to arrive.
Behind two bloodshot eyes
The artist is exhausted and strained, likely from waiting for so long and feeling anxious.
The stale taste of wasted gunshot
There is a bitter aftertaste left by past mistakes or regrets, reminiscent of a gunshot that missed its intended target.
Slap back across the sky
The negative consequences of past actions are still present and powerful, felt across the vast expanse of the sky.
I heard she's coming home
There is news that Hayley will soon be returning to this place.
She'll get that pain inside again
Hayley will experience emotional pain or turmoil once again.
And it's me who'll point the bone
The singer will likely be blamed for or associated with Hayley's pain or struggles, possibly due to their refusal to take responsibility for their actions.
Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.