While fronted by singer John Farnham from 1982–1986, the band's original members were Glenn Shorrock (vocals), Graeham Goble, Beeb Birtles and Ric Formosa (guitars and vocals), Roger McLachlan (bass) and Derek Pellicci (drums).
The group evolved from the harmony-rock group Mississippi in 1975. Prior to that, Birtles had been the bassist in 1960s pop band Zoot (which also included singer-guitarist Rick Springfield), and Shorrock had been the lead singer of leading Australian 60s pop band The Twilights and early 1970s country rock band Axiom.
They found immediate success in Australia, but individual members had greater ambitions. Like many other Australasian groups of the period, both Axiom and Mississippi had tried to break into the UK record market without success. Remembering the indifferent reaction they had received in the UK, they decided the new band would focus on establishing themselves in the United States.
A key factor in their eventual success was their manager Glenn Wheatley, who had been the bassist in the highly-regarded Australian rock band The Masters Apprentices. Wheatley's first-hand experiences of the rip-offs in the 1960s music scene, combined with his subsequent experience working in music management in Britain and the United States in the early 1970s, enabled him to help LRB become the first Australian group to enjoy sustained commercial and chart success in the United States.
Fuelled by a very successful Australian hit single "Curiosity Killed The Cat", the band began making promotional visits to the US in 1976. This resulted in a hit single, "It's A Long Way There", which broke into the Top 30 and galvanised the commitment of the band members. More concert performances in the US followed, and in 1977 "Help Is On Its Way" (an Australian number one single) and "Happy Anniversary"[4] both narrowly missed the US Top 10. During this period McLachlan left the group and was replaced by George McArdle while lead guitarist Formosa was replaced by David Briggs.
From 1978 until 1981, Little River Band achieved six consecutive US Top 10 singles with "Reminiscing", "Lady", "Lonesome Loser", "Cool Change", "The Night Owls" and "Take It Easy On Me". During their career the band have sold more than 25 million records and scored 13 American Top 40 hits.
Bassist/vocalist Wayne Nelson joined in 1980 and is currently the lead singer. In 1981 he sang lead vocals on their top ten US hit "Night Owls". Guitarist Stephen Housden joined the band in 1981 replacing David Briggs. Housden owns the rights to the name Little River Band. He co-wrote the band's last hit in Australia "Love is a Bridge".
In 1982 Shorrock was forced out of the band and went on to pursue a solo career. He failed to make an impression in the U.S., but he had a substantial hit in Australia with a cover version of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover".
The pressures of success and constant touring gradually took their toll on LRB and members gradually left. John Farnham replaced Shorrock in 1982 and the first single with Farnham, "The Other Guy" reached #11 in the US. Subsequent singles were only minor hits. In Australia the band continued to be popular and songs such as "Down On The Border", "Playing To Win" and "Love is a Bridge" were major hits. Farnham's popularity in Australia was increasing at this time, and he left the band to return to his solo career, achieving huge success in Australia (he was also managed by Wheatley).
Birtles left in 1983 because he did not like the direction the band was taking and he was not a fan of Farnham's onstage performance. Farnham left in 1986 to be replaced by the returning Shorrock. Goble left the group in 1990. Shorrock left again in 1996; he was offered the option to buy out the remaining members but he decided instead to take a payment. Derek Pellicci left the band in 1999.
Little River Band are considered to be among Australia's most significant bands. The "classic lineup" of the band (Birtles, Shorrock, Goble, Pellicci, Briggs and McArdle) were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the 18th Annual ARIA Music Awards of 2004. They performed "Help Is On Its Way" that night.
Three founding members, Birtles, Shorrock and Goble, continue to perform reunion concerts but due to the fact they lost the rights to the name Little River Band, they appear under the name Birtles Shorrock Goble: The Original Voices of Little River Band.
"Reminiscing", written by Goble, was recognised by BMI as one of the most frequently played songs in the history of American radio, with more than four million plays to its credit. "Lady" has also accumulated more than three million plays, and Goble is the first and only Australian songwriter ever to win a Four "Million Air" award from BMI. According to Albert Goldman's biography, John Lennon named "Reminiscing" as one of his favorite songs.
Little River Band continues to work in the US and performs around 100 shows every year.
Help Is On Its Way
Little River Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it really worth the worry?
Look around, then slow down
What's it like inside the bubble?
Does your head ever give you trouble?
It's no sin, trade it in
I'll be there as fast as I can
"Hang on", a tiny voice did say
From somewhere deep inside the inner man
Are you always in confusion?
Surrounded by illusion?
Sort it out, you'll make out
Seem to make a good beginning
Someone else ends up winning
Don't seem fair, don't you care?
Hang on, help is on its way
I'll be there as fast as I can
"Hang on", a tiny voice did say
From somewhere deep inside the inner man
Don't you forget who'll take care of you
It don't matter what you do
Form a duet, let him sing melody
You'll provide the harmony
Why are you in so such hurry?
Is it really worth the worry?
Look around, then slow down
What's it like inside the bubble?
Does your head ever give you trouble?
It's no sin, trade it in
Hang on, help is on its way
I'll be there as fast as I can
"Hang on", a tiny voice did say
From somewhere deep inside the inner man
Hang on, help is on its way
I'll be there as fast as I can
"Hang on", a tiny voice did say
From somewhere deep inside the inner man
Help is on its way
Help is on its way
The lyrics of Little River Band's "Help Is On Its Way" offer reassurance to those who are feeling overwhelmed and lost. The song acknowledges the stress that life can create, encouraging the listener to slow down and take a moment to look around. The lyrics ask if it's worth the worry and encourage the listener to trade in their troubles for a more positive outlook.
The song also touches on the feeling of being surrounded by illusion and confusion. Little River Band reminds the listener that they can sort out their problems and make it through the tough times. The lyrics even suggest that someone else may win, but it's important not to give up hope and to keep moving forward.
The chorus of the song, "Hang on, help is on its way," repeats the message of the song, promising that relief is coming. The "tiny voice" from deep inside offers a sense of comfort and support, and the final repetition of "help is on its way" reinforces the message of hope.
Overall, the lyrics of "Help Is On Its Way" recognize the struggles of everyday life and offer a comforting reminder that things will get better. The song is a powerful and uplifting message of hope and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Why are you in so such hurry?
Why are you rushing and stressing yourself out?
Is it really worth the worry?
Is it worth it to be so anxious?
Look around, then slow down
Observe your surroundings and then calm yourself down
What's it like inside the bubble?
What is it like being so closed off from the world?
Does your head ever give you trouble?
Does your mind trouble you?
It's no sin, trade it in
It's not wrong to want to change your ways
Hang on, help is on its way
Hold tight, assistance is coming
I'll be there as fast as I can
I'll arrive as quickly as possible
"Hang on", a tiny voice did say
"Hold on", a small internal voice spoke
From somewhere deep inside the inner man
From the depths of your inner self
Are you always in confusion?
Do you often feel bewildered?
Surrounded by illusion?
Do you find yourself surrounded by things that aren't quite real?
Sort it out, you'll make out
Try to make sense of it all, and you'll succeed
Seem to make a good beginning
You start off on the right foot
Someone else ends up winning
However, someone else seems to come out on top
Don't seem fair, don't you care?
Doesn't seem right, aren't you concerned?
Don't you forget who'll take care of you
Remember who will be there for you
It don't matter what you do
It doesn't matter what you do
Form a duet, let him sing melody
Join forces and allow the other person to take the lead
You'll provide the harmony
You'll support and compliment the lead
Help is on its way
Assistance is coming
Help is on its way
Assistance is coming
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glenn Barrie Shorrock
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matiaescobefo746
Who's listening 2023 awesome band. I'm 62 yrs old and single. Maria from Texas
@mom369222
I am1 a grandmother now, and I STIULLlisten to this band!
@troywallace322
I'm listening right now 👍
@rhalld
2024
@fernandorios6325
It's 2024 hi maria😊
@DeanHenry-hm9bd
I’m listening right now.
@dogster486
To those who were lucky enough to grow up during this time period cherish every moment because there will never repeat NEVER be music like this again. I'm 32 and I wasn't fortunate enough to grow up in this period of amazing but fret not because I will keep the legacy alive and pass it along to the next generation anyway I can. I know I'm only one person but there are many more people like me who love and appreciate this music. Bands like Little River Band, Boston, Eagles, and countless others that shaped who i am because of the love I have for this music. I personally believe that the 70's and 80's are the two best decades of music and even though I have my favorite current bands, nothing brings me more joy than old school music like this. Thank you for those who took the time to read this ramble but it is because I have such a love and passion for
@dogster486
Sorry I didn't finish my thought. Point being I love this music and for those fortunate enough to live through it never forget how special it truly is and how it crosses many generations.
@user-iq3mp5zo8z
Big thumbs up to you. I shall be 80 in 4 weeks. I was bringing up children from 1980 onwards, totally missed the music scene. Knew of You're the Voice some years ago, never knew who sang it until last year. Since then I've been delving into Farnsey videos on YouTube and also "migrating" to other Aussie singers and bands. (ooh, Icehouse and Great Southern Land - spine tingles and goosebumps!). Love all Farnsey songs, and not a dud note in any of them, and also love LRB - Such talented musicians. I'm having a wonderful time, and I feel I'm back in my 30s. 27.1.24. UK. E❤
@tammyranaldi113
Keep the faith and rock on! I'm a senior who agrees with you. I was part of this amazing generation of music. Glad to see others appreciate it too.😊👍