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.
Real World
Hunters & Collectors Lyrics
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Thought streets of wind-blown paper – this everyday delight
Oh now open your eyes – see the wonder of it all
We’ll kill this hour together – together we can fall
Down the path of sadness down the path of history
Time is on your side and everything you see
All your expectations the laughter in your eyes
Back in the real world
You may be guilty of hunger, you may be guilty of pride
So don’t you tell anybody the secrets that you hide
So pack up all your bags – this fairy tale is broken
It’s written on your face – the real world has spoken
Come take a walk with me into the morning light
Through streets of wind blown paper – this everyday delight
Things will fall together, so clean and civilized
Just let me take you down, cut you down to size
Down the path of sadness down the path of history
It’s drifting with the tide and everything you see
It’s back in the real world
Back in the real world baby
Back in the real world
So good to be here
So good to be here
Living in a life of history
The song Real World by Hunters & Collectors is an upbeat anthem about seizing the day and experiencing the world as it is, without trying to cling to illusions or fantasies. The singer of the song invites the listener to join them on a walk through the city, observing all the wonders and challenges of everyday life. They encourage the listener to embrace the present moment and let go of any preconceptions or expectations.
Throughout the song, there is a juxtaposition between the fantastical and the real. The singer mentions wind-blown paper and fairy tales, but ultimately concludes that the true beauty and value lies in the real world. The song also touches on themes of guilt and secrets, perhaps suggesting that honesty and openness are vital to living a fulfilling life.
Overall, Real World is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to fully engage with the world around them and to let go of any distractions or illusions that may be holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Come take a walk with me into the morning light
Join me on a journey towards a brighter future
Thought streets of wind-blown paper – this everyday delight
Amidst chaos and uncertainty, there is still beauty and joy in the mundane
Oh now open your eyes – see the wonder of it all
Take a moment to appreciate the magnificence of the world around you
We’ll kill this hour together – together we can fall
We can make time pass together and, even if we fail, we won't fall alone
Down the path of sadness down the path of history
We can't ignore the struggles and the heritage of the past
Time is on your side and everything you see
Take advantage of time to observe the world and gain wisdom
All your expectations the laughter in your eyes
Your optimism and dreams are reflected in your expression
All these endless hours will come as no surprise
The passing of time is predictable, but it doesn't have to be boring
Back in the real world
Returning to reality from an idealized world
You may be guilty of hunger, you may be guilty of pride
You may feel longing or arrogance, but keep it to yourself
So don’t you tell anybody the secrets that you hide
Your vulnerabilities and fears are yours alone to keep
So pack up all your bags – this fairy tale is broken
Abandon the illusion of a perfect life, it's time to face the truth
It’s written on your face – the real world has spoken
The reality is hard to avoid, it's reflected in your expression
Things will fall together, so clean and civilized
The world may seem chaotic, but there's still beauty and order in it
Just let me take you down, cut you down to size
I'll bring you back to reality, make you face the truth about yourself
It’s drifting with the tide and everything you see
The world is constantly changing, and you must accept it
Back in the real world baby
Acknowledging the hardship of returning to reality
So good to be here
Despite the challenges, there's still value in being present
Living in a life of history
Our past experiences shape who we are, and our present defines our future
Contributed by Bella R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.