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.
January Rain
Hunters & Collectors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will be brought down
Anyone who's anybody
Is getting out of town
The highheels on the long weekend
Clatter in the street below
Somebody got pinned again
Underneath my window
And I call out your name
They're keepin' score on the radio
But it all sounds the same (home away game)
The punters on the platform
Stagger throughout the yellow light
Force the door and slash the seats
We're all goin' home tonight
Up and down the nature strip
The Sunday drinkers ride
Faith is flowin' down the Esplanade
Drip try and lemon tide
It's perfect one day
That's when it's raining again
Crouched upon the ocean
Is the city that I live in
Ya never build too high
In January rain
The lyrics of Hunters & Collectors' song January Rain paint a picture of a cityscape in chaos. The first verse describes how everything and everyone will eventually fall, and how the only way to escape the madness is to leave town. The sound of high heels clattering below and someone getting pinned under a window adds to the hectic atmosphere. The second verse talks about the roar of the crowd, calling out to someone's name, and how everything sounds the same. It then shifts to the scene of punters on a platform stumbling into yellow light, forcing doors and breaking seats, as they're all going home. The third verse paints a scene of Sunday drinkers as faith flows down the Esplanade and drips like lemon tide in the rain. The refrain, "It's perfect one day, that's when it's raining again," shows that even amidst the chaos and destruction, there's a feeling of comfort and safety in the rain.
The chorus, "Ya never build too high in January rain," is a metaphor for the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss. January rain symbolizes the unpredictability of nature and how it can wash away everything in its path. The lyrics suggest that the city is a dangerous place to be in, and to survive, one must learn to adapt to the changing conditions.
Line by Line Meaning
They say everything that rises
The saying is that anything that goes up will eventually come down.
Will be brought down
Will eventually be lowered or decreased.
Anyone who's anybody
People who are important or cool.
Is getting out of town
Leaving or going away from this place.
The highheels on the long weekend
Women dressed up and going out over the weekend.
Clatter in the street below
Making loud, sharp noises with their high heels.
Somebody got pinned again
Someone has been caught for doing something wrong or illegal.
Underneath my window
Close to me or near where I am.
The crowd roars on the wing
People are yelling loudly and excitedly on the sidelines.
And I call out your name
I am trying to get your attention in the midst of all the noise.
They're keepin' score on the radio
Keeping track of who is winning or losing on the radio broadcast.
But it all sounds the same (home away game)
No matter where the game is played, the commentary sounds the same.
The punters on the platform
People waiting for transportation.
Stagger throughout the yellow light
Walking unsteadily through the brightly lit area.
Force the door and slash the seats
Breaking into the vehicle and creating damage to the seats.
We're all goin' home tonight
Everyone is leaving, most likely after a night out or an event.
Up and down the nature strip
Walking or moving on the grassy area next to the sidewalk.
The Sunday drinkers ride
People are consuming alcohol and riding vehicles.
Faith is flowin' down the Esplanade
People are gathering to listen to religious teachings or sermons.
Drip try and lemon tide
The outlook or beliefs of people is spreading like water through the area.
It's perfect one day
The weather or the situation is great for one day.
That's when it's raining again
The only time that the weather is perfect is when it is raining and everything looks fresh.
Crouched upon the ocean
The city is built by the ocean and looks like it is perched on top of the water.
Is the city that I live in
This is a description of the city that the person is currently living in.
Ya never build too high
It is not wise to make something too tall, especially in bad weather conditions.
In January rain
Particular attention is given to the rainy weather that occurs specifically in January.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ROBERT MILES, MARK SEYMOUR, JEREMY SMITH, MICHAEL WATERS, JOHN ARCHER, DOUG FALCONER, JACK HOWARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Plaintiff's Ex
Been one of my favorites from any continent for a lonnnnnggggg time. Still hits the spot for music and memories. Great post. 🎛
Rohan Staton
I bought the EP that has this song in the mid 80's, still have it. There are two other tracks that are just as good.
John Whitty
Haven't heard this in years Great tune.....stoic
Ruby Brysha
love it-love the build up
HamptonInjuryLawyer
excellent song!
deebrdobbs
Great track
Rob Haunui
Great B-Side off The Living Daylights EP from '87
Deep Dive Gaming
great