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.
Long Way To the Water
Hunters & Collectors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into the darkness of the new
Don’t spook the horses
While the sun still shines
They’re tired, but they’ll be getting through
In the desert they can smell the water
Their shadows ever growing tall
We’ll make it home before the fall
It’s a long way to the water
It’s a long way there, but I don’t mind
But I’m leaving your lost world behind
Alone together in the moonlight
There’s only one way we could go
So lead me slowly on my broken pony
She’s got the faith to let me know
It’s a long way to the water
It’s a long way there, but I don’t mind
‘Cause we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
So we’re leaving the world behind… behind…
It’s a long way to the water
It’s a long way there but I don’t mind
Oh we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
So we’re leaving this world behind
It’s a long way to the water
It’s a long way there but I don’t mind
Oh we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
So we’re leaving this lost world behind
It’s a long way to the water
It’s a long way
It’s a long way
It’s a long way
The song "Long Way to the Water" by Hunters & Collectors is a powerful and emotive anthem that speaks to the journey of leaving the past behind and embracing the unknown future. The opening lines perfectly capture this sense of uncertainty, as the singer speaks of leaving the "old world" behind and venturing "into the darkness of the new." However, there is a sense of caution in the lyrics, as the singer carefully warns us not to "spook the horses" while they are still needed to carry us forward. In spite of the challenges ahead, there is an unshakeable faith that we will make it through, as symbolized by the horses' ability to smell water even in the desert.
The imagery of the desert and the valley further reinforce the sense of journey and discovery. The valley represents a destination or a goal, and the echoes of laughter suggest that this goal is worth striving for. The mention of a "broken pony" also suggests that the journey may not be easy, but the singer has faith in the animal to carry them through. Ultimately, the song is about leaving behind the past and taking a chance on the future, even though it may be a long and difficult journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Leaving the old world tonight
We are leaving behind our old way of life and venturing into an unknown world tonight.
Into the darkness of the new
We are headed towards a new and unfamiliar world, where we will have to navigate through darkness and uncertainty.
Don’t spook the horses
Let’s not alarm or disturb the horses, who are our only means of transportation in this journey.
While the sun still shines
We should make the most of the daylight hours and travel while it is safe and easy.
They’re tired, but they’ll be getting through
The horses are exhausted, but they are determined to keep going until we reach our destination.
In the desert they can smell the water
Even in the arid and barren desert, the horses have an instinct to sense water nearby.
Their shadows ever growing tall
As the sun sets, the horses' shadows stretch longer and taller, reminding us of the passing time and the urgency of our journey.
Our laughter echoes down the valley tonight
We are taking joy in the journey and our laughter echoes through the valley, creating a sense of camaraderie and warmth.
We’ll make it home before the fall
We are confident that we will arrive at our destination before it gets too dark or dangerous.
It’s a long way to the water
The journey ahead of us is a difficult and arduous one, with no guarantee of success or safety.
It’s a long way there, but I don’t mind
Despite the challenges, I am eager and excited to continue on this journey and see what lies ahead.
But I’m leaving your lost world behind
I am leaving behind a world that is lost, stagnant, or unfulfilling, in search of something new and meaningful.
Alone together in the moonlight
We are together in this journey, even if we feel lonely or isolated at times, illuminated by the light of the moon.
There’s only one way we could go
We have no choice but to continue onward, no matter what obstacles or challenges we may face.
So lead me slowly on my broken pony
I am on a horse that is injured or worn down, so please guide me carefully and patiently through the journey.
She’s got the faith to let me know
The horse has faith in us and the journey, giving us confidence and strength to keep going.
‘Cause we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
We cannot return to our old way of life, nor can we remain in our current position, so we must keep moving forward.
So we’re leaving the world behind… behind…
We are leaving behind everything that is familiar and comfortable to embark on a new adventure.
It’s a long way to the water
Once again, we are reminded of the daunting and uncertain journey ahead of us.
It’s a long way there but I don’t mind
Despite the challenges, I remain enthusiastic and determined to see this journey through to the end.
Oh we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
We cannot remain stagnant or return to our past, so we must press on towards the unknown future.
So we’re leaving this world behind
We are leaving behind a world that no longer serves us or fulfills us, in search of something better.
It’s a long way to the water
Once again, we are reminded of the vast distance and uncertainty that lies ahead of us.
It’s a long way there but I don’t mind
Despite the fear and uncertainty, I am determined and optimistic about the journey ahead of us.
Oh we can’t go back, and we can’t stand still
We cannot remain in a state of indecision or fear, nor can we return to our past, so we must keep moving forward.
So we’re leaving this lost world behind
We are leaving behind a world that has left us feeling lost or disconnected, in search of a new sense of purpose and meaning.
It’s a long way to the water
The distance ahead of us remains vast and unknown, with many possible challenges and obstacles that we must overcome.
It’s a long way
The journey ahead of us is long and difficult, but we are prepared to face it head on and continue towards our destination.
It’s a long way
Once again, we are reminded of the immense distance and uncertainty that lies ahead of us.
Contributed by Jordan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.